The Washington Department of Health recently identified an outbreak of E.coli strain O157 among children.  As of June 24th, 17 confirmed cases have been diagnosed.  On investigation it was determined that the vehicle of infection was yogurt.  The specific STEC is apparently virulent based on the proportion of patients hospitalized with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

Lawsuits have been filed alleging negligence by Pure Eire Dairy located in Othello, WA. that apparently distributed organic yogurt that was contaminated.  Lawsuits are demanding damages for actual, consequential and incidental damage arising from infection.  It is noted that HUS in young children, apart from representing a serious clinical problem, may require alteration in lifestyle in adulthood and subsequent kidney transplants for which financial provision must be made.

The occurrence of secondary infection is a further complication arising from the outbreak. Cases have been diagnosed in Arizona following contact between children traveling from Washington to the southwest state.