By Gina Yarbrough
San Diego, CA–County public health officials are investigating a salmonella outbreak tied to a restaurant in Clairemont.
Currently, 14 confirmed and probable cases of salmonellosis have been linked to Aladdin Mediterranean Café, located at 5420 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard. The incident involves individuals between the ages of 18 and 79. Five people have been hospitalized, officials said.
All individuals who fell ill reported eating at the café between April 25 and April 26, 2025. In response, the County’s Environmental Health and Quality Department is working closely with Public Health Services to determine the cause of the outbreak. The specific source of contamination has not yet been identified.
Aladdin Mediterranean Café voluntarily closed its doors upon learning of the situation, allowing county health officials to conduct additional testing and staff interviews. The restaurant is cooperating fully with the investigation and will remain closed until authorities confirm there is no ongoing public health risk.
“Once the investigation is complete and we determine there is no continued threat to public health, the restaurant will be allowed to reopen,” officials said in a statement.
Salmonella infection, or salmonellosis, can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (sometimes with blood or mucous), abdominal cramps, and fever. Symptoms usually develop within 12 to 72 hours after consuming contaminated food and typically last four to seven days. While most people recover without treatment, some cases can be more severe.
Groups at higher risk for serious illness include children under 5, adults over 65, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
County health officials urge anyone who dined at Aladdin Mediterranean Café on April 25 or 26 and is experiencing symptoms to contact a healthcare provider.
As of April 28, San Diego County has recorded 184 cases of salmonellosis in 2025. By comparison, the County reported 753 cases in 2024, 685 in 2023, and 683 in 2022.
