E. Coli outbreak: Multiple cases traced back to San Diego restaurant, 7 hospitalized

Emily DeLetter, USA TODAY
·2 min read

The San Diego Health Department has confirmed an outbreak of 13 confirmed or probable cases of Shiga-toxin-producing E. Coli linked to a restaurant in San Diego, California.

The E. coli cases were linked to dining at a Miguel's Cocina in 4S Ranch, a locale of San Diego County. According to a release from the health department, the ages from the cluster of infections range from 6 to 87 years old. The affected people or their families reported eating at the Miguel's Cocina location between Oct. 6-18, and had symptoms Oct. 13-19.

According to the health department, seven cases were hospitalized, and at least one case developed a more severe complication, hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can affect a person's kidneys and blood clotting functions.

The specific food items that were the source of the E. coli bacteria from Miguel's Cocina are still under review, the health department said. The restaurant is cooperating and working with San Diego County and management has decided to voluntarily close until the source can be identified.

San Diego County Environmental Health inspectors visited the restaurant location on Monday, and found in an inspection there were no "operational major risk factors for foodborne illness identified," according to the health department.

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What are the symptoms of E. coli?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, E. coli are bacteria found in the environment, foods and intestines of people and animals. Although most strains are harmless, some can make you sick.

Symptoms of E. coli can vary from person to person, but often include:

  • Severe stomach cramps

  • Diarrhea (often bloody)

  • Vomiting

Some people may have a fever, and most people get better within five to seven days. While some infections are mild, others can be severe or life-threatening.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 13 cases of E. coli linked to San Diego restaurant, health dept. says