By SDCN Staff
San Diego, CA–County health officials are advising anyone who ate at The Kebab Shop restaurant chain between March 27 and April 30 and later developed symptoms of a stomach illness to seek medical care immediately as investigators continue to respond to a statewide outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli.
Two local residents have been infected after eating at area locations of The Kebab Shop, according to County health officials. One of those individuals required hospitalization but has since been released.
Statewide, health authorities have identified nine cases of E. coli infection across five counties linked to the chain’s beef kofta dish. Six of the affected patients are children. Five people have been hospitalized, and two developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a potentially life-threatening complication that can cause kidney damage.
No deaths have been reported, and officials say no cases outside California have been connected to the outbreak.
The California Department of Public Health is leading the investigation into the outbreak. The Kebab Shop has cooperated fully with public health officials and voluntarily stopped selling the beef kofta dish on or before May 18. Health officials say customers are no longer at risk from consuming the product.
Locally, the County’s Public Health Services Epidemiology Unit and the Department of Environmental Health and Quality are working alongside state and federal agencies to investigate the outbreak and monitor any additional cases.
“If you visited The Kebab Shop between March 27 and April 30, and developed stomach symptoms, please seek medical help right away,” said Dr. Sayone Thihalolipavan, County public health officer. “Children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems face the highest risk from STEC infections.”
According to health officials, symptoms of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli typically appear three to four days after consuming contaminated food or beverages. Common symptoms include severe abdominal cramps, watery or bloody diarrhea, and vomiting.
Officials encourage anyone experiencing these symptoms after dining at The Kebab Shop during the affected period to contact a healthcare provider promptly.
