Arthritis, Reactive

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark., Aug. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Authorities are racing to determine the source of an E. coli outbreak in which nearly 100 University of Arkansas students and staff may have contracted E. coli. Four people have been hospitalized. At least one of those hospitalized has acute kidney failure. E. coli infections can cause a type of acute kidney failure called Hemolytic uremic syndrome or "HUS". HUS is a severe, life-threatening condition that results in an abnormal destruction of red blood cells and can lead to kidney failure. It occurs in about 10% of those who become infected with O157: H7 or any other Shiga toxin-producing E. coli. The University of Arkansas and the Arkansas Department of Health are trying to identify the source of the University of Arkansas Ecoli outbreak, which they believe started more than a week ago. Students at the University of Arkansas moved into dorms just last week and returned to class Monday. "The scary thing about this outbreak is there's nothing you can do to tell whether the food that you are served is safe. You can't taste, smell, or see E. coli. Food that is contaminated with E. coli may look, smell, and taste just like any other food. This is why it's critical that restaurants and cafeterias who make and sell our food, ensure the food is safe before they sell it," said E. coli food poisoning lawyer Jory Lange. Record-Breaking Food Poisoning Lawyer Jory Lange is one of the nation's leading food poisoning lawyers. Jory recently won a $10 million settlement on behalf of a family who suffered life-long medical complications after getting food poisoning from a restaurant. The $10 million settlement is believed to be the largest settlement in US history on behalf of a person who developed Reactive Arthritis from food poisoning. How The Lange Law Firm Can Help Our mission is to help families who have been harmed by contaminated food products. When cafeterias or restaurants harm their customers in E. coli outbreaks, we use the law to hold them accountable. If you suspect that you have been infected with E. coli by food you ate and are interested in making a legal claim for compensation, we can help. Call us for a free no obligation legal consultation at (833) 330-3663 or send us an e-mail here. About the legal team: Jory Lange with MakeFoodSafe.com is one of the United States' leading E. coli Lawyers, successfully representing clients across the United States in food poisoning cases from E. coli, Shigella, and Salmonella food poisoning. Contacts The Lange Law Firm, PLLC Jory D. Lange Jr. Candess Zona-Mendola 833.330.3663 [email protected] SOURCE The Lange Law Firm

Foodborne Illness Advocates at Marler Clark Publish Consumer Guide SEATTLE, June 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Marler Clark, Inc., PS, The Food Safety Law Firm, is publishing a consumer information guide to navigate the current multi-state Cyclospora outbreak that has yet to be linked to a specific food product. "Cyclospora illnesses have been a growing concern in the United States and around the world linked to fresh fruits and vegetables", says Bill Marler. Continue Reading "Cyclospora illnesses have been a growing concern in the United States and around the world", stated Bill Marler. Tweet this The current Cyclospora Outbreak According to the CDC, as of June 6, 2023, a total of 97 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported from Arizona, Colorado, Nebraska, Texas, Minnesota, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and New York City. Sick people range in age from 16 to 92 years, with a median age of 48, and 71% are female. The median illness onset date is April 27, 2023 (range: April 1 to May 25). Of 96 people with information available, 16 have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is currently investigating an outbreak of Cyclospora at Ridgway Tacos del GNAR. As of June 15, there have been 62 cases reported in Colorado since May 1, 2023. What is Cyclospora? Cyclospora is a parasite composed of one cell, too small to be seen without a microscope. Cyclospora cayetanensis is the only species of this organism found in humans. Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, which is transmissible by ingestion of fecally contaminated food or water. Cyclosporiasis is most common in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. In the United States, foodborne outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have been linked to various types of imported fresh produce (e.g., basil, raspberries, and snow peas). Outbreaks of cyclosporiasis in humans have been reported mostly from North America, from the infection sources of contaminated fresh food products, such as soft fruits (raspberries), leafy vegetables (coriander, basil, and mixed salad), and herbs. Soil is another possible infection source, particularly in areas with poor environmental sanitation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been conducting national surveillance for cyclosporiasis since it became a nationally notifiable disease in January 1999. As of 2015, cyclosporiasis was a reportable condition in 42 states, the District of Columbia, and New York City (NYC). While cyclosporiasis cases are reported year-round in the United States, cyclosporiasis acquired in the United States (i.e., "domestically acquired," or cases of cyclosporiasis that are not associated with travel to a country that is considered endemic for Cyclospora) is most common during the spring and summer months. The exact timing and duration of U.S. cyclosporiasis seasons can vary, but reports tend to increase starting in May. In 2020, multiple outbreaks of cyclosporiasis were identified and found to be linked to different produce items. As of September 23, 2020, the CDC documented 1,241 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis in people who had no history of international travel during the 14-day period before illness onset. What are the typical symptoms of Cyclospora infection? Cyclospora infects the small intestine (bowel) and usually causes watery diarrhea, bloating, increased gas, stomach cramps, and loss of appetite, nausea, low-grade fever, and fatigue. In some cases, vomiting, explosive diarrhea, muscle aches, and substantial weight loss can occur. Some people who are infected with Cyclospora do not have any symptoms. The time between becoming infected and becoming ill is usually about one week. If not treated, the illness may last from a few days up to six weeks. Symptoms also may recur one or more times (relapse). In addition, people who have previously been infected with Cyclospora can become infected again. Where does Cyclospora come from? The modes of transmission of C. cayetanensis are still not completely documented, although fecal–oral transmission is the major route. Direct person-to-person transmission is unlikely. Indirect transmission can occur if an infected person contaminates the environment, the oocysts sporulate under the right conditions, and then contaminated food and water are ingested. The role of soil in transmission has also been proposed. The dissemination of infective Cyclospora oocysts via water, soil, and unprocessed foods (e.g., fruits and vegetables, including ready-to-eat salads) is enabled by their small size (8–10 μm), low specific gravity, and high infectivity. Such oocysts can survive for weeks to months in water and food, depending on the environmental temperature, and are resistant to the routine sanitization or chemical disinfection procedures used in irrigation systems, recreational waters, or drinking water treatment plants. How is Cyclospora diagnosed? Cyclosporiasis is usually diagnosed symptomatically in clinical settings, including the presence of watery diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and bloating. In untreated, immunocompetent people, the diarrhea can last from days to weeks to a month or more, and can wax and wane, with variable oocyst shedding. Oocysts can continue to be shed (intermittently or continuously) by non-symptomatic people, and symptoms can also persist in the absence of oocysts in feces. What are the serious and long-term risks of Cyclospora infection? Cyclospora has been associated with a variety of chronic complications such as malabsorption, reactive arthritis, and cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder). Since Cyclospora infections tend to respond to the appropriate treatment, complications are more likely to occur in individuals who are not treated or not treated promptly. Extraintestinal infection also appears to occur more commonly in individuals with a compromised immune system. Although human cyclosporiasis is usually not fatal in developed countries such as the United States, protracted diarrhea often leads to dehydration, particularly in infants who are at greatest risk of severe dehydration and death, especially if cyclosporiasis is complicated by infections with other pathogens (viral, bacterial, or parasitic—e.g., Cryptosporidium and Giardia), malnutrition, or malabsorption, particularly in underprivileged communities. According to the CDC, the recommended treatment is a combination of two antibiotics, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, also known as Bactrim, Septra, or Cotrim. It is advisable for people who have diarrhea to also rest and drink plenty of fluids. About Marler Clark, The Food Safety Safety Law Firm Marler Clark, is the nation's leading law firm representing victims of Cyclospora outbreaks. The Cyclospora Attorneys at Marler Clark have represented victims of foodborne illness for over 30 years, recovering over $850 million for their clients. Marler Clark is the only law firm in the nation with a practice focused exclusively on foodborne illness litigation. If you or a family member became ill with a Cyclospora infection after consuming food and you are interested in pursuing a legal claim, contact Marler Clark for a free case evaluation. SOURCE Marler Clark, The Food Safety Law Firm

TUESDAY, April 18, 2023 -- Most people think of joint pain when they think of arthritis but, depending on the type of arthritis, other symptoms can crop up. Here's how to spot some of the most common signs of different types of arthritis. Arthritis can cause painful symptoms that make daily activities challenging, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). Dr. Paul DeMarco , NIAMS Rheumatoid Fellowship Training Program director, explained that “it is extremely important to understand the type of arthritis afflicting the sufferer, as some arthritis syndromes have effects throughout the body.” To help you better understand just how arthritis can affect the body, here is a list of eight of the most common types: Inflammatory arthritis Psoriatic arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis Osteoarthritis Gout Juvenile arthritis Infectious arthritis Reactive arthritis Here are some common arthritis symptoms, broken down by the type of arthritis the patient has: Inflammatory arthritis symptoms Inflammatory arthritis occurs when an overactive immune system causes joint inflammation, according to the Hospital for Special Surgery (HHS), in New York City. Symptoms of inflammatory arthritis include: Pain and stiffness, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity Warm sensations in and around affected joints Joint swelling and redness Inflammation of the skin or internal organs These symptoms are often experienced as strong flare-ups, followed by a period of inactivity. Psoriatic arthritis symptoms Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a type of inflammatory arthritis, and it usually happens to people with psoriasis, according to NIAMS . Psoriatic arthritis symptoms include: Joint stiffness, pain and swelling, especially in the morning Eye inflammation Fatigue Soreness in spots where tendons attach to bones Inflammatory bowel disease Nail crumbling, separating or denting Flaky, swollen patches of skin "PsA is usually not found on the same joints on both sides of the body, so it is asymmetric,” DeMarco noted. Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms Rheumatoid arthritis is also a type of inflammatory arthritis. More specifically, it’s an autoimmune disease, meaning the immune system attacks its own joint tissues. It can occur throughout the body, but usually affects the hands, wrists and feet, according to NIAMS . Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms include: Joint stiffness that lasts longer than half an hour Joint pain and inflammation Fatigue Loss of appetite Mild fever Nodules, or lumps beneath the skin Medical issues in the lungs, heart, skin, nerves and eyes Unlike PsA, rheumatoid arthritis typically occurs in the same joints on both sides of the body. Osteoarthritis symptoms Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, affecting over 32 million U.S. adults, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . It’s caused by wear and tear on joint cartilage as people age. “Symptoms tend to occur more slowly over time, first occurring every now and then, and then becoming more chronic,” Scripps Clinic rheumatologist Dr. Kavitta Allem said in a recent interview for San Diego Health. NIAMS states that osteoarthritis symptoms may include: Joint stiffness that lasts less than half an hour Pain and swelling during and immediately after activity Unstable sensations in the joints Scraping noises when walking, particularly in the knees Radiating pain down the legs Stiffness in the lower back and neck Bone spurs (enlargements) in the hands Difficulty standing and sitting Fatigue, insomnia and depression Gout symptoms Gout is also a type of inflammatory arthritis, caused by too much uric acid in the blood. This triggers crystals to form on the joints. The CDC states that it usually affects just one joint at a time, usually in a foot, ankle, or knee. Gout symptoms include: Intense pain Swelling Inflammation and warmth “The joints that have gout, the symptoms come on very suddenly, generally over the course of a night,” Allem noted. Juvenile arthritis symptoms The Arthritis Foundation explains that juvenile arthritis is a group of arthritis conditions that affect children under the age of 16. Although symptoms may vary, here are some of the most common: Joint pain, tenderness, stiffness and warmth, especially after a period of inactivity Eye inflammation Skin rashes High fever Fatigue Loss of appetite Shortness of breath (when the lungs are affected) Diarrhea and bloating (when the digestive tract is affected) Infectious arthritis symptoms Infectious arthritis (septic arthritis) is caused by a bacterial, viral or fungal infection of the joint tissues and fluids. More children are affected than adults, according to the Cleveland Clinic . The symptoms of infectious arthritis include: Fever Joint tenderness, inflammation, warmth and pain Limited range of motion Reactive arthritis symptoms NIAMS states that reactive arthritis occurs due to an infection, but symptoms don’t start until the infection is cleared up. They may include: Joint pain and stiffness, especially in the lower limbs Eye and urinary tract inflammation Inflamed fingers and toes Fever Fatigue Skin rash Abdominal pain and diarrhea Nails that thicken Weight loss Mouth ulcers When to seek help for arthritis symptoms “If you’re feeling swelling or pain in your joints, or something is limiting your ability to be active, you should see a doctor,” Allem explained. “There are new treatments for arthritis to help you feel better and get back to what you enjoy.” SOURCE: Paul DeMarco, MD, Rheumatoid Fellowship Training Program director, U.S. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Posted April 2023