The local health department in San Diego has identified an outbreak with 13 confirmed or potential cases of a specific E. Coli strain connected to meals consumed at a restaurant in the 4S Ranch area.
The health department, along with the environmental quality team, is looking into this group of E. coli cases. Affected individuals are between 6 and 87 years old.
Those affected, or their relatives, mentioned dining at a restaurant in the 4S Ranch area between Oct. 6 and Oct. 18, and showed symptoms between Oct. 13 and Oct. 19. Seven of these individuals were admitted to the hospital, with one person experiencing a serious complication from the infection, known as hemolytic uremic syndrome.
The exact dishes responsible for the E. coli contamination at the dining establishment are being examined. The venue’s management is collaborating with local authorities and has chosen to temporarily shut down until the cause is pinpointed.
If you dined at this establishment and are experiencing symptoms, please consult a physician immediately,” advised Dr. Wilma J. Wooten. “It’s crucial to get tested and forward those findings to the local health authority. The most susceptible to this infection include young children, seniors over 65, and individuals with compromised immunity.
Local health inspectors examined the establishment in the 4S area on the afternoon of Oct. 23, 2023, following some reports linking it to potential exposure sites for STEC infections. During the review, they found no significant operational risks associated with foodborne diseases.
Individuals infected with STEC typically exhibit symptoms 3 to 4 days post consumption of a contaminated substance. Nonetheless, the onset can range from 1 to 10 days post exposure. While symptoms can differ among individuals, common signs include:
- Intense stomach pain
- Diarrhea, which can be watery or bloody (with 3 or more episodes in a day)
- Nausea and vomiting
Individuals may experience symptoms with or without a fever, and when a fever is present, it’s typically not too elevated (below 101˚F/38.5˚C). The majority recover in about 5 to 7 days. While some might have mild symptoms, others could face severe or potentially fatal complications.
The public is urged to seek medical advice if they’ve encountered these symptoms since Oct. 6, particularly if one has persistent diarrhea spanning over three days, a fever surpassing 102˚F, noticeable blood in the stool, excessive vomiting leading to dehydration, or significantly reduced urine output.
