Parker Waichman LLP

Rare E. Coli O111 Outbreak in Oklahoma Officially Over, Investigation Continues

According to health officials, the massive E. coli O111 outbreak in Oklahoma is over; however, the investigation continues.  The outbreak is the largest of its kind in United States history.  “We’ve turned a corner,” said Leslea Bennett-Webb, Oklahoma State Department of Health spokeswoman.  “We’re still investigating.  But we really wanted the folks in Locust Grove […]

According to health officials, the massive <"https://www.yourlawyer.com/practice_areas/food_poisoning">E. coli O111 outbreak in Oklahoma is over; however, the investigation continues.  The outbreak is the largest of its kind in United States history.  “We’ve turned a corner,” said Leslea Bennett-Webb, Oklahoma State Department of Health spokeswoman.  “We’re still investigating.  But we really wanted the folks in Locust Grove to know that it’s over, so maybe they can get back to normal.  We’ve taken this so very serious because we had one death and so many people seriously ill, and a community that has been fearful,” Bennett-Webb said. “It’s been a challenge.”

The last known person associated with the outbreak fell ill September 6, she said.  “We may find new cases that haven’t been reported, but there are no new occurrences,” Bennett-Webb said.

At least 314 people were sickened from E. coli O111, a rare and virulent strain of the bacteria, officials said. One man—Chad Lange, age 26—died from the illness.  “We know with absolute certainty this is the largest E. coli O111 outbreak ever in the U.S.,” Bennett-Webb said.  Of the 314 sickened, 65 were children and 72 people were hospitalized; 17 received kidney dialysis, officials said.  State health investigators interviewed 1,843 people.

State officials also confirmed the outbreak was only linked to the Country Cottage restaurant. “Virtually all known cases ate at or had an association with Country Cottage,” Bennett-Webb said.  To date, only one case of secondary infection through household contact with someone who ate at the Country Cottage has been confirmed, she said.  “We are investigating the incubation period of a few more cases to determine if they might also be secondary infections,” Bennett-Webb said.

Officials continue investigating to determine the outbreak’s exact food source, which has yet to be determined.  The team of three federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) deployed to assist in the investigation is expected to return to Atlanta in the next few days and will continue to help with the case.   “We’re still looking at food choice selections based on those more than 1,800 interviews,” Bennett-Webb said. “We’re looking at dates and food choices for those who got sick versus those who didn’t.”  The information from all the interviews are entered into a database, and analysis of those interviews could take several weeks, she said.

Some E. coli strains are necessary for digestion; some are harmful, even deadly, such as the very rare and toxin-producing strain E. coli O111 that is the culprit in this case.  Typically, the virulent, sometimes deadly E. coli O157:H7 strain is generally found to be responsible in E. coli-related food-borne illness outbreaks; both deadly strains are among those that may cause serious disease and death and are in a group called Verocytotoxigenic E. coli (VTEC), linked to food poisoning.  VTECs are very serious and can cause fatal blood poisoning, cystitis, deadly septicemia, and death.

In the US, E. coli is the leading cause of food-borne illness, accounting for about 73,000 infections and 61 deaths; last year, over 22 million pounds of beef and vegetables were recalled due to E. coli outbreaks.

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Great work...these people do! My only suggestion would be more feedback where my case was in the process, but these people are BUSY, and they have a purpose in everything they do, so be patient, you won't be disappointed!
Thomas Blomgren
7 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
After suffering pain from a serious injury that occurred during a slip and fall, Parker Waichman gave me Julie Trinidad, which was an effective decision. Ms. Trinidad made my life easier during the stressful time. She provided all answers on a timely manner and did an efficient job with my injury case. Sometimes she provided answers for questions before I could even think of them. She always kept me up to date with all aspects of the case and made sure to see if was in decent condition. I never had to worry because I was in perfect hands and with someone who actually cares about the client (which was me). If anyone I know needs legal advice I would recommend Parker Waichman base off of the great experience and assistance I received from Julie Trinidad. Ms. Trinidad was the best. Merlyn M
Anonymous !
4 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Professionalism , Responsiveness Benita, was a very helpful person, and acted very professional through our time working with her. She kept us in the loop constantly and answered any questions we had through phone calls and emails in a timely manner. If needed, I would definitely use this company again specifically working with Benita.
Lois Barrera
2 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038