Four more people have reported symptoms from the E. coli outbreak linked to Miguel’s Cocina in San Diego’s 4S Ranch community over the past two days, bringing the total number of infections to 17, county health officials announced Thursday.
Seven people, including four children, were hospitalized, according to the county Health and Human Services Agency.
“A joint public health and environmental health investigation is ongoing,” said HHSA spokeswoman Fernanda Lopez.
NBC 7’s Shelley Leggett spoke to patrons of the popular restaurant about the investigation.
According to HHSA, the person or their family member reported eating at Miguel’s 4S Ranch from October 6th to October 18th and developing symptoms from October 13th to October 19th. .
County health officials are still investigating the specific food that was the source of the Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) outbreak at the restaurant. Miguel’s voluntarily closed Tuesday and is working closely with the county to identify the outbreak.
“Anyone who visits a restaurant and feels sick should seek medical attention as soon as possible,” said County Public Health Officer Wilma J. Wooten, MD, MPH.
“We want them to get tested and send the results to their local health department. Children are most at risk of infection, adults over 65 and those with weakened immune systems. It’s the people,” Wooten said.
According to the county, the patients range in age from 6 to 87. At least one of those cases develops a more serious infectious complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome.
Brigantine Restaurants is the parent company of Miguel’s Cocina 4S Ranch. Brigantine Group President Mike Morton Jr. issued a statement Tuesday regarding the E. coli outbreak.
“At this time, there are no established links to the other 20 properties operated by Brigantine Restaurants around San Diego County,” Morton Jr. said.
Miguel’s 4S Ranch thoroughly cleans the entire facility and disposes of all raw materials in areas that may harbor E. coli.
Kaiser Permanente’s Dr. Richard Moon said that while many people may not be aware that they have an E. coli infection, it can have very negative effects in certain groups of people.
“A small number of people, especially the very young, the elderly, and people with chronic health conditions, experience more severe symptoms, such as fever, nausea, vomiting, difficulty keeping up with fluid intake, and decreased urine output and confusion. There is a risk of developing . And lethargy,” Moon said.
Regarding the many San Diegans who hope to enjoy Miguel’s and other restaurants operated by Brigantine Restaurants in the near future, the company’s CEO said in a statement: “At this time, there are no established links to the other 20 properties operated by Brigantine Restaurants” around San Diego County. ”
Symptoms of Escherichia coli (STEC)
People infected with STEC begin to feel sick three to four days after eating or drinking something that contains the bacteria. According to HHSA, the disease can develop within 1 to 10 days after infection.
According to HHSA, symptoms vary from person to person, but often include:
- severe abdominal cramps
- Watery or bloody diarrhea (3 or more loose stools within 24 hours)
- vomiting
Symptoms occur with or without fever, which is usually not very high (below 101°F/38.5°C). Symptoms usually improve within 5 to 7 days. According to HHSA, some infections can be mild, while others can be serious and life-threatening.
If you have these symptoms, call your doctor right away, HHSA says. This is especially true if you have diarrhea that lasts more than three days, has diarrhea or bloody stools with a fever of 102°F or higher, or vomits so much that you can’t keep fluids down and can barely urinate, HHSA says. I am. .
