2 people develop rare disease after being infected with E. coli, health officials say

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. (KMOV/Gray News) - Two people in Missouri who were infected E. coli have gone on to develop a rare disease that affects the kidneys and blood clotting system, according to officials.

A spokesperson with St. Louis County said 106 E. coli cases were connected to events hosted or catered through Andre’s Banquet and Catering. More than half of the cases are connected with Rockwood Summit High School.

The Department of Public Health was also notified that two people itted to the hospital for E. coli infection have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), affecting their kidneys and blood clotting systems.

A Rockwood Summit High School cheerleader filed a lawsuit against the catering company. She is being represented by Bill Marler of the Marler Clark law firm in Seattle, which specializes in food safety cases.

The St. Louis County Health Department said their current information suggests that salad is the source of illness, but a specific ingredient has not been identified.

The owner of Andre’s Banquets and Catering said the lawsuit has no merit. He said his vendors spot-check produce loads daily, are USDA-inspected and follow strict food safety guidelines.

He also said the fact that three students not d with Rockwood Summit High School were infected is proof his business is not the source of the outbreak.

State and local health department workers were at the catering business on Nov. 18 to take food samples for testing.

To gain more certainty about the outbreak, health department officials will also use genetic testing on stool samples.

Dr. Amanda Brzozowsky is the St. Louis Health Department’s senior epidemiologist and is leading the investigation.

The health department has collaborated with the Rockwood School District to distribute an electronic survey to event attendees, which has helped in collecting data on food consumption and symptoms.

The health department urges anyone with symptoms of E. coli infection to seek medical attention immediately.

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