The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) join Baugher Enterprise in warning consumers to not consume Baugher's Apple Cider, as this cider may be associated with an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections. The cider was available for sale in Maryland and Pennsylvania.
As of Thursday, Nov. 4, 2010, 7 persons infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 have been reported from Maryland since October 22. There have been 3 reported hospitalizations, 1 possible case of HUS and no deaths.
Most people infected with E. coli O157:H7 develop diarrhea and abdominal cramps, but some illnesses may last longer and can be more severe. While most people recover within a week, some may develop a severe infection. Rarely, as symptoms of diarrhea improve, a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) can occur; this can happen at any age but is most common in children under 5 years old and in older adults. People with HUS should be hospitalized immediately, as their kidneys may stop working and they may be at risk for other serious health problems.