Thirteen confirmed or probable Shiga-toxin-producing E. Coli (STEC) cases have been linked to San Diego's local restaurant, Miguel's Cocina 4S Ranch. According to the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA), tracing these back has led to the restaurant's patrons between October 6 and 18.
The County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency is reporting an outbreak of 13 confirmed or probable cases of Shiga-toxin-producing E. Coli (STEC) linked to dining at Miguel’s Cocina 4S Ranch location in San Diego. https://t.co/kxl3tu6Vq8
— SanDiegoCounty (@SanDiegoCounty) October 24, 2023
The ages of the victims spread a broad range of 6 to 87 years, with symptoms onset between October 13 and 19. Hospitalization was also required for seven of the cases, and one has been identified with a critical complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome. In response, the management of Miguel's Cocina voluntarily put a halt on operations until the source was targeted properly.
It's advised that those who ate in the restaurant promptly visit their medical care practitioners if they manifest symptoms. Dr. Wilma J. Wooten M.D., M.P.H., emphasizes testing and results submission to the local health department as vital for a comprehensive understanding of the outbreak. STEC infection symptoms can be individual-specific but generally include severe abdominal cramps, watery or bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and, on rare occasions, fever. The average incubation period for these symptoms is between three and four days after exposure to the bacteria.
The County Environmental Health inspectors did pay a visit yesterday to the 4S Ranch location of Miguel's Cocina. No significant operational risk factors contributing to foodborne illnesses were identified. However, investigations are far from over and require the restaurant management's collaboration to swiftly identify the contamination source.
