Minnesota Preschool E. coli Outbreak Press Release

Pritzker | Ruohonen, one of the few law firms in the United States that practices extensively in the area of E. coli litigation, has issued the press release below. The Minneapolis, Minnesota law firm has a national reputation, and lawyers at the firm have been interviewed by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Lawyers USA and other publications. In recognigion of their accomplishments, Pritzker | Ruohonen attorneys Fred Pritzker, Rich Ruohonen and Elliot Olsen have been named "Super Lawyers" by Minnesota Law & Politics. If your child has been diagnosed with E. coli, you may contact Pritzker | Ruohonen toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm's online consultation form for review by a lawyer at the firm.

Preschools and Daycare Centers Can Become
Hot Zones for E. coli

MINNEAPOLIS (Updated June 11, 2008) – According to the law firm of Pritzker | Ruohonen & Associates, P.A., an E. coli outbreak at Wonder World Preschool in the town of Slayton, Minnesota has led to eight confirmed cases of E. coli O157:H7. One child has been hospitalized and is showing signs of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a severe complication of E. coli O157:H7 that is the leading cause of acute kidney failure in children.

Preschools and daycare centers are responsible for maintaining a clean and sanitary facility. Although there are a number of different ways E. coli can spread, the underlying source is feces. E. coli O157:H7 bacteria leave the body through the stool of an infected person or animal (usually cattle) and enter a person when hands, food, water or objects (such as toys) contaminated with stool are placed in the mouth.

“Because young children often put their hands and toys in their mouths, preschools and daycare centers can quickly become hot zones for E. coli. Daycare facilities should know this and take affirmative steps to prevent the spread of E. coli,” stated Fred Pritzker, nationally-recognized food safety lawyer.

The best way for preschool and day care workers to prevent the spread of E. coli O157:H7 is to wash their hands. Bacteria can easily hide under a fingernail or anywhere on the hand that was not thoroughly washed with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. It is especially important that preschool and daycare workers wash their hands after using the restroom, changing a diaper, preparing food, or feeding a child.

Other basic sanitation measures that preschools and daycare centers are expected to maintain include the following: 1) clean and disinfect diapering area and potty chairs after each use; 2) clean toilets, sinks and toys at least daily; 3) cook all hamburger and ground beef until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit; 4) do not allow children to drink unpasteurized milk or fruit juices; 5) wash and disinfect all cutting boards, knives, utensils and dishes that have been used for raw meat or poultry before using them with fresh produce and other uncooked foods; and 6) do not let children serve or prepare food for other children.

Preschools and daycare centers should also notify parents when a child attending the preschool or daycare center is diagnosed with an E. coli infection.

Pritzker | Ruohonen & Associates, P.A. is one of the few law firms in the United States that practices extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation. The firm has collected millions of dollars on behalf of victims of E. coli outbreaks. For more information, visit http://www.pritzkerlaw.com or contact Fred Pritzker at (612) 338-0202 or 1-888-377-8900 (toll-free). Pritzker | Ruohonen offices are located at Plaza VII, Suite 2950, 45 South Seventh Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402

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Foodborne Outbreaks

Iowa E. coli: Raw apple cider may be associated with an Iowa E. coli outbreak.
University of Colorado at Boulder (CU) E. coli: At least 8 people have been sickened, 7 of them students.
Michigan E. coli Lettuce: A Michigan E. coli outbreak has been associated with bagged iceberg lettuce distributed by Aunt Mid's Produce Company.
Aunt Mid's Lawsuit: People in Michigan, Illinois, New York, Ohio and Oregon have been sickened in an E. coli outbreak.
University of Michigan and MSU E. coli Lawsuit: 7 students at Michigan State University and 3 students at the University of Michigan have contracted E. coli infections.
Hendricks Farm Campylobacter outbreak associated with Hendricks Farm & Dairy in Telford, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
Oklahoma E. coli: An Oklahoma E. coli outbreak may be linked to a Locust Grove restaurant.
Nebraska Beef Lawsuit: Nebraska Beef, Ltd. has recalled millions of pounds of beef products and has been linked to 2 outbreaks.
Massachusettes E. coli: A Massachusettes E. coli outbreak has been linked to Nebraska Beef products and Coleman Meat products.
Whole Foods Market Lawsuit: The Whole Foods Market E. coli outbreak is part of the Massachusettes E. coli outbreak above.
Virginia E. coli - Goshen Scout Reservation: Dozens of scouts were sickened in an E. coli outbreak linked to beef.
Georgia E. coli - Barbecue Pit Lawsuit
Ohio E. coli Outbreak: Ground beef may have sickened people in both Michigan and Ohio.
Michigan E. coli Outbreak: Ground beef may have sickened people in both Michigan and Ohio.
Multi-State Salmonella Saintpaul Outbreak: Tomatoes have sickened hundreds of people throughout the United States.
Minnesota Preschool E. coli: Outbreak associated with Wonder World Preschool in Slayton, Minnesota.
Washington E. coli Lettuce: Outbreak associated with commercial romaine lettuce.
Texas Salmonella Saintpaul - Tomato: Outbreak most likely caused by Roma, red plum and/or red round tomatoes.
New Mexico Salmonella Saintpaul Linked to Tomatoes: Outbreak most likely caused by Roma, red plum and/or red round tomatoes.
Nebraska E. coli Outbreak Associated with Roast Beef
Hepatitis A - La Mesa California Chipotle - Lawyer and Lawsuit: San Diego County hepatitis A outbreak
Salmonella - Puffed Rice Recall and Puffed Wheat Recall: Malt-O-Meal cereal recall.
Minnesota Salmonella - Milford Valley Farms Lawsuit: Frozen chicken product.
Salmonella - Agropecuaria Montelibano Cantaloupe Recall: Cantaloupe from Honduras.
Salmonella Litchfield Cantaloupe Lawsuit: Recall of Dole, Chiquita and other brands.
Honolulu E. coli - Sekiya's Lawsuit and Lawyer: E. coli associated with Hawaii restaurant.
Alabama E. coli - Church Supper: Outbreak associated with Eastern Shore Baptis Church.
E. coli - Rochester Meat Company Recall and Lawsuit: Ground beef recall.
E. coli - Jeno's and Totino's Pizza Recall and Lawsuit: Pepperoni on pizza.
E. coli - Topps Recall and Lawsuit: Hamburger patty recall.
E. coli - Cargill/Sam's Club Recall and Lawsuit: Ground beef patty recall.
Listeria - Whittier Farms Recall and Lawsuit: Miscarriage and death linked to milk.
Hawaii Salmonella - Tuna Recall and Lawsuit
Salmonella - Safeway Ground Beef Recall and Lawsuit

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Foodborne Illness

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