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E. Coli Outbreak in Flathead County Linked to Wagyu Beef
3 months ago •source dphhs.mt.gov
Outbreak
Montana, United States
The Flathead City-County Health Department (FCCHD) and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) are investigating an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak linked to wagyu beef, with 14 reported illnesses and one death in Flathead County. The patients were infected with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O157.On July 25th, the FCCHD and DPHHS confirmed that the outbreak originated from a specific lot of wagyu beef. All affected individuals reported consuming undercooked or made-to-order burgers at various restaurants in Flathead County. The last known consumption date was July 14, 2024.
The suspected product was sent to the DPHHS Montana Public Health Laboratory for testing, confirming the source of the outbreak. All remaining wagyu beef from the contaminated lot has been removed from use, and all associated businesses have been contacted. The restaurants associated with the outbreak include Gunsight Saloon, Hops Downtown Grill, Tamarack Brewing Company, the Lodge at Whitefish Lake, and Harbor Grille. One fatality occurred after exposure to the contaminated beef at Harbor Grille.
In case you are experiencing E. coli symptoms such as watery diarrhea (often bloody), vomiting; stomach cramps; and mild fever, it is important to report it. It can help to detect & resolve outbreaks early and prevent others from being harmed, and it enables better surveillance. If symptoms persist, seek medical care.
Source: dphhs.mt.gov/News/2024/July/updateEColiOutbreak
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