Chronology Of E. Coli Outbreak

Here is a chronology beginning with the 1993 outbreak of E. coli in Western Washington:

January 1993: More than 500 people are infected with the E. coli bacteria linked to contaminated, undercooked burgers sold by Jack in the Box restaurants. Michael Nole, 2, of Tacoma and Celina Shribbs, 2, of Mountlake Terrace die after being infected with the bacteria.

February 1993: Two cases of E. coli are reported in day-care facilities in Bellingham and South Snohomish County. U.S. Department of Agriculture pledges to improve the way meat is inspected. Riley Detwiler, 17 months, of Bellingham, dies of E. coli infection. Authorities assume he contracted the bacteria from another boy in his toddler group who became infected at Jack in the Box.

June 1993: Brianne Kiner of the Seattle area returns home from the hospital after being infected in the January outbreak.

August 1993: At least eight people are infected with E. coli bacteria after eating at the Northgate Sizzler restaurant.

January 1994: Kevin Scott, a 3-year-old Pacific County boy, dies from E. coli from an unknown source.

February 1995: Brianne Kiner receives a $15.6 million settlement from Foodmaker Inc., Jack in the Box's parent company.

April 1995: Foodmaker Inc. pays a $5 million settlement to 4-year-old Cheray Jefferson of West Seattle.

June 1995: A House panel blocks rules making meat-processing standards tougher, while consumers warn of deadly consequences.

July 1996: President Clinton announces improvements to meat-inspection system.