Sick from E. coli?
Call (612) 337-6126
Elliot Olsen has represented people sickened by E. coli for decades, and he has regained millions of dollars for them. If you or a family member became ill from E. coli after visiting CLIMB Works zip line, you should call Elliot at (612) 337-6126 for a free consultation, or complete the following:
The Tennessee Department of Health said 548 people were sickened by E. coli after visiting the CLIMB Works zip line attraction in Gatlinburg. All of those affected reported drinking well water along the zip line course in mid-June.
A spokesperson for the East Tennessee Region Health Department said well water samples are on the way to Nashville for advanced tests. Initial tests showed E. coli bacteria and total coliforms were present in CLIMB Works’ well water.
Advanced tests will show whether the strain of E. coli in the water is contagious. Certain strains of E. coli that cause gastrointestinal problems can be spread from person to person, according to the Mayo Clinic, especially when affected children and adults don’t wash their hands properly.
To address the issue, crews have installed a new filtration system at CLIMB, and the zip line’s staff has been offering free bottled water to customers. The facility also closed its doors on July 8 to sanitize everything.
“The facility was closed temporarily but has resumed routine operation with ongoing consultation from local public health authorities,” the Tennessee Department of Health said.
The Department of Health also recommended that anyone experiencing gastrointestinal distress after visiting CLIMB Works zip line see their doctor and consider having a stool test performed.
The Tennessee Department of Health said 548 people contracted E. coli after drinking contaminated well water at CLIMB Works zip line in Gatlinburg.
CLIMB Works zip line: wells unregulated
Todd Keith, a water quality specialist for Knoxville Plumbing, said all water has contaminants, no matter how you get the water. To ensure that the water you’re drinking is safe, you cannot become complacent or unwilling to spend time and money on maintenance.
Keith went on to say that 15 percent of his customers use well water. Unless your home is under mortgage, he said, it’s unlikely you’re being required to get that well water tested.
When it comes to well water, Keith said it’s your responsibility to make sure your filtration system is doing the job. Unlike municipal water, residential wells are not regulated by the EPA.
CLIMB Works zip line: E. coli info
E. coli bacteria (Escherichia coli) is one of the most common causes of foodborne illness in the United States yearly. The bacteria are normally found in the intestines of mammals. Most strains are benign, but some strains can cause serious illness, primarily by consuming contaminated food or water.
Anyone can become infected by E. coli bacteria, but people with the highest risk of developing severe illness — or hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can lead to kidney failure — include young children, senior citizens, and those with compromised immune systems.
E. coli symptoms
People suffering from an E. coli illness experience symptoms similar to those of other foodborne pathogens, such as:
- abdominal cramps
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea, which can become bloody
- high fever
- lack of energy
- little or no appetite
- decreased urination.
E. coli complication
As much as 10 percent of people infected with an E. coli illness develop HUS, which can be life-threatening, especially for the very young and the very old.
The overwhelming majority of HUS cases involve children younger than 5 years old. The disease is the leading cause of acute kidney failure for that age group.
HUS typically develops after a prolonged bout of diarrhea. The disease damages red blood cells, which can clog the kidney’s filtering and cause kidney failure. In the most severe cases of HUS, dialysis is required, or worse, a kidney transplant becomes necessary.
