16 Huntley High School Students Sickened In E Coli Outbreak

Unsafe Premises - December 22, 2023

E Coli Outbreak At Huntley High School That Sickened 16 Students Linked To Cafeteria Worker

16 Huntley High School Students Sickened In E Coli Outbreak

HUNTLEY, ILLINOIS (December 22, 2023) –  At least 16 Huntley High School students were injured in an E Coli Outbreak linked back to a cafeteria worker.

Health officials revealed their findings in a report which came out on Tuesday. The food handler associated with the outbreak worked in the cold sandwich station  and at the cookie station.

Investigators believe that improper handwashing practices led to the outbreak. The worker was likely shedding Shiga toxin 2.

Shiga toxin 2 is known to cause gastro intestinal problems in humans. A full investigation into the E Coli outbreak at Huntley High School remains ongoing at this time.

Liability For Huntley E Coli Outbreaks

Thousands of people are made ill every year in E Coli outbreaks. According to Emerging Infectious Diseases, “An estimated 73,480 illnesses due to E. coli O157 infection occur each year in the United States, leading to an estimated 2,168 hospitalizations and 61 deaths annually (5), and it is an important cause of acute renal failure in children (6,7).” There are a number of symptoms associated with E. Coli.

  • Severe cramps
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Chills
  • Body aches

Depending on the facts of any case, a school could face liability if students in their care are injured in an E. Coli outbreak. Schools have a legal obligation to protect students from reasonably foreseeable sources of harm. This includes harm that can come from a foodborne illness. If the evidence shows that an outbreak was linked back to the school, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. School should take several steps to prevent E. Coli outbreaks.

  • Schools should ensure all workers and students are following proper handwashing procedures.
  • Schools should regularly test and clean the facility’s water supply.
  • Schools should follow proper waste disposal practices.
  • Schools should collaborate and communicate with health authorities.

The vast majority of E. Coli outbreaks are completely preventable. They are much more likely to take place at schools where there are health code violations. It is important that students and their families understand that they do have rights if they become ill. Any person that becomes ill at school from E. Coli may be able to seek damages through a civil claim.

Investigating Illinois E. Coli Outbreaks

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our best wishes to all of the Huntley High School students injured by this outbreak. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent other outbreaks. There needs to be some accountability for what happened.

Have you or someone that you care about been injured in an E. Coli outbreak? Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.