The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is requesting heightened surveillance for persons presenting with symptoms consistent with Shiga toxin producing E. coli (i.e., enterohemorrhagic E. coli), including diarrhea that is often bloody, hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) in children or thrombocytopenia purpura in adults.
DHEC is investigating an outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) related to dining at a Spartanburg-area Mexican restaurant during the last week of April, 2012. Preliminary lab results indicate the E. coli serotype being O157:H7. Of the 3 cases interviewed thus far, two reported the infection has progressed to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a severe condition associated with STEC infection that can lead to kidney failure. Interviews with an additional 8 cases are in progress.
A quick internet search found these restaurants in Spartanburg meeting the description:
1. Bronco Mexican Restaurant
2. Corona Mexican Restaurant
3. El Mexicano Restaurant
4. Mexico Lindo East
5. Moe’s Southwest Grill
6. Monterrey Mexican Restaurant
7. Taco Bell
8. Tijuana Restaurant
9. Mexico Lindo
10. Taco Dog
11. Chipotle Mexican Grill
Seriously, how pissed would you be if you owned ten of the restaurants above? DEHC, if you have enough evidence to announce an outbreak, tell the public where it happened.
Update: According to comments in Spartanburg Press, it is El Mexicano Restaurant.