News

Seattle E. coli outbreak spreads to 4 states, original restaurant not only source

September 13, 2016

At least 10 people in four states have been sickened by a Shiga toxin-producing strain of E. Coli 0157, according to multiple news reports, including the Seattle Times. Six of the reported cases of  so-called, STEC infections, have been linked to a single restaurant in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle, the Matador, a two-unit chain that serves Mexican cuisine. The other cases, however, appear to have been contracted elsewhere, according to the Seattle Times. 

The reports became public early this week after five people — including three who were hospitalized — contracted the poisoning after eating at the Matador. The newspaper said that restaurant has been closed since Friday, when area health officials suspended its business permit. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have now taken over the case. The exact source of the bacteria has not yet been identified. 

Four people sickened after eating at the Matador, reported having meals there in mid- to late-August. The illness was first reported on Aug. 22, but the most recent case was reported Sept. 6, according to the newspaper. 

STEC, which has been identified in five individuals, causes diarrhea, bloody stools and abdominal cramps. Health officials said that symptoms typically develop about three days after the contaminated food is consumed. Of the three people reported hospitalized due to the poisoning, one — a 16-year-old girl who reportedly ate leftovers from the restaurant — has experienced a form of kidney failure. 

According to Food Poisoning Bulletin, there are no links to any other restaurants at this time, but the publication said this 0157 strain has not previously been seen in Washington.Food Poisoning Bulletin also said the infection is likely to spread among people since its incubation period is under 10 days. 

According to the report, a health inspection of the Matador following the reports uncovered a source of possible cross-contamination in a dirty food processor, as well as "inadequate cleaning of produce," though the exact source of the outbreak has still not been identified. 

E.coli outbreaks are not uncommon. In fact, on the CDC website at least 11 cases were reported this past July, leading to a recall of General Mills flours, and Chipotle has reported multiple E coli  incidents this past year. Those cases appear to be from different genetic strains of the bacteria than the one identified in Seattle. However, the CDC reports that E.coli-contaminanted General Mills flours are suspected in the infections of 46 people in 21 states, including 13 that have been hospitalized.