The Outbreak:
According to news reports as many as fifteen people have been sickened by an E. coli outbreak linked to Miguel’s Cocina in the 4S Ranch community of San Diego, including seven who had to be hospitalized, according to county health officials.
Those who fell ill, or their families, reported eating at Miguel’s 4S Ranch location from Oct. 6 to Oct. 18 and developed symptoms from Oct. 13 to Oct. 19, according to the county’s Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA). On Wednesday, the HHSA confirmed two new cases linked to the outbreak bringing the total to 15.
County health officials are still investigating the specific food items that were the source of the Shiga-toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) at the restaurant. Miguel’s voluntarily closed its doors on Tuesday and has been working closely with the County to identify the outbreak.
“People who visited the restaurant and are feeling ill should see their doctor as soon as possible,” said Wilma J. Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer.
“We want them to get tested and have the results sent to the local health department. Those most at risk from infection are children, adults 65 and older and people with weakened immune systems,” Wooten said.
The ages of the patients range from 6 to 87, according to the county. At least one of those cases has developed into the more severe complication of the infection called hemolytic uremic syndrome.
Parents Speak Out:
Yalda Bahar says it “breaks her heart” to have watched her son lying in a hospital bed after being diagnosed with E. coli.
Bahar believes her 7-year-old was one of the first customers to contract E. coli amid an outbreak at the Miguel’s Cocina location in 4S Ranch.
She says they ate at the restaurant on October 8th. On October 14th, her son was rushed to the hospital after she noticed his stool was bloody.
“I’ve never seen him with that much pain. It was terrible,” said Bahar.
According to records Bahar shared with ABC 10News, her son was diagnosed with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157 infection.
A 14-year-old boy is fighting for his life at Rady Children’s Hospital after getting diagnosed with E. coli following a night out with family dining at Miguel’s Cocina in 4S Ranch.
“I’m trying to be strong for my son, so he’s not afraid,” Rachele Byrd said. “It’s hard to see your child suffer like that.”
Byrd’s son is among seven hospitalized from the E. coli infections.
On Oct. 14, Byrd says her family dined at the restaurant. Two days later, her son, who ate carne asada that night, complained of a headache. The next day a fever, then excruciating diarrhea. Now, he’s on dialysis.
E. coli: Marler Clark, The Food Safety Law Firm, is the nation’s leading law firm representing victims of E. coli outbreaks and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). The E. coli lawyers of Marler Clark have represented thousands of victims of E. coli and other foodborne illness infections and have recovered over $850 million for clients. Marler Clark is the only law firm in the nation with a practice focused exclusively on foodborne illness litigation. Our E. coli lawyers have litigated E. coli and HUS cases stemming from outbreaks traced to ground beef, raw milk, lettuce, spinach, sprouts, and other food products. The law firm has brought E. coli lawsuits against such companies as Jack in the Box, Dole, ConAgra, Cargill, and Jimmy John’s. We have proudly represented such victims as Brianne Kiner, Stephanie Smith and Linda Rivera.
If you or a family member became ill with an E. coli infection or HUS after consuming food and you’re interested in pursuing a legal claim, contact the Marler Clark E. coli attorneys for a free case evaluation.
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