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Database Hopes To Keep Track Of E. Coli Victims

(KDKA)

Click to enlarge 1 of 1: E. Coli bacteria, scanning electron micrograph photo, Sept. 15, 2006.
AP

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Whether it's bad meat or infected produce, we constantly hear about major recalls because of foodborne illness like E. coli.

Those infected can become dangerously ill and continue to have health problems years later.

It's not clear how often this occurs but one organization is trying to figure it out.

Every year, some 325,000 people are hospitalized because of foodborne illness like E. coli and most recover completely.

But how many people go on to have long lasting health problems is not well known because no one is keeping track.

Nancy Donley plans to change that.

Fifteen years ago, E. coli killed her son.

Now she's the President of STOP which stands for Safe Tables Our Priority.

"There are people who have had long term kidney problems, diabetes, pancreatic problems, vision problems," said Donley.

STOP has started a national registry to find out how widespread the problem is.

"These long term complications are life threatening, they're life altering and need to be taken very, very seriously," said Donley.

What STOP finds out will be shared with government researchers, who hope to get a better understanding of E. coli cases and how they can be avoided.

To register cases of long term effects from foodborne illnesses, log on to http://Safetables.org.