Dangerous E. Coli Outbreak Strikes The Porch at Schenley
Multiple Customers and Employees Sickened and in Hospital
The Porch at Schenley, usually a peaceful spot frequented by University of Pittsburgh professors and students, was alive with controversy this week after a dangerous foodborne illness sickened multiple customers and employees.
The popular Oakland eatery voluntarily closed after three employees and two customers recently contracted the 0157:H7 strain of E. coli. This particularly intense E. coli strain sent four out of the 5 sickened individuals to the hospital with potentially dangerous symptoms.
It can take up to 3 to 4 days for symptoms of E. coli to appear, which is why it is important to seek medical help as soon as possible. Symptoms of E. coli infection include:
- Watery or bloody diarrhea
- Abdominal pain and tenderness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
The health department is looking into whether this E. coli outbreak stems from contaminated meat, or from humans who developed the infection from someplace else and did not wash their hands effectively, thus contaminating the food product.
Eat'n Park Hospitality Group, the owners of The Porch at Schenley, used the restaurant's temporary closure to sanitize the cooking facilities as well as test all employees for E. coli. All potentially contaminated food products were replaced with new food product as the restaurant prepared to reopen its doors to the public.
Anyone who begins to develop symptoms should understand their legal rights. They may be entitled to compensation for medical bills and missed work time resulting from food poisoning.
If you or a loved one were affected by this outbreak, follow these immediate steps:
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- When you receive medical treatment, ask your physician to do the appropriate tests to identify the presence of E. coli in your body. If you want to get compensation for your illness, you need to have documented medical proof.
- If possible, save your receipt from your meal.
- Contact a lawyer immediately to discuss your legal rights. Edgar Snyder & Associates is providing free and confidential consultations to sickened individuals or family members.
Call us toll free at 412-394-1000, or get a free legal consultation online by filling out the form at the top right of this webpage. Or you can use our easy and convenient "click-to-call" service.