Four Mile Prison, a Canon City, Colorado prison housing about 500 inmates, has recently been hit with an E. Coli outbreak that has sickened 13 inmates. Three of these cases have been confirmed through testing for the bacteria. This correctional facility houses only male inmates.
This recent outbreak was announced by the Colorado Department of Corrections, who stated that the state health department is investigating to determine the source of the outbreak. Kitchens at the prison have been checked off as being sanitary following inspections.
While the investigation continues, the Department of Corrections is working in conjunction with the CDPHE in order to stop the spread of the bacteria, and is taking all necessary precautions. Katherine Sanguinetti, DOC spokeswoman, stated that the outbreak was discovered on April 22nd, and that three inmates were receiving E. Coli treatment for their illnesses at the correctional center infirmary. She said that if the three prisoners become seriously ill, they will be transferred to the Colorado Territorial Correctional Facility infirmary, which is located in Canon City as well.
A large percent of E. Coli food poisoning infections are caused by foodborne illness, and Sanguinetti stated that none of the inmates who were ill had been working at the prison dairy.
While estimates are not exact, microbiologists approximate that over 70,000 Americans are sickened each year from E. Coli bacterial infections. The largest source of these infections is ground beef, and about 5 to 15% of these 70,000 will develop HUS, which can be life threatening.
Foods that often contain the bacteria include ground beef, sausages, unpasteurized milk and cheese, lettuce, spinach and other drinks that are not pasteurized, such as apple juice or cider. Most people who become sick with E. Coli develop mild E. Coli symptoms that go away on their own. These symptoms include nausea, stomach cramps, and vomiting. Certain groups of individuals may develop serious complications, including young children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.
If you develop symptoms of E. Coli, see your doctor. You may consider contacting a New York food poisoning attorney to determine if you may be eligible for compensation of costs related to your illness. Personal injury attorneys can often times quickly determine whether you have a qualifying cases related to your illnesses.
