The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) has found “no ongoing transmission of disease or current public health threat related to a Spartanburg-area Mexican restaurant.” This information is included in a news release sent to Food Poisoning Bulletin.
The El Mexicano #6 restaurant on East main Street in Spartanburg agreed to release its name voluntarily. DHEC Director Catherine Templeton said, “we’ve found no conclusive link between the restaurant and those who have gotten sick during this outbreak.”
The agency’s investigation will continue to determine a link between the ten people who have been sickened by E. coli 0157:H7 and the source of the bacteria. One case has been lab-confirmed. Two people are sick with hemolytic uremic syndrome, a complication of E. coli infections in children.
The restaurant has been cooperating with investigators. An inspection on May 11 gave the restaurant an “A” rating with no substantial violations. El Mexicano #6 owner Martin Mata said in the news release, “we’re glad that DHEC has found that our restaurant presents no health threat to our valued customers. In the interest of all Mexican restaurants in Spartanburg, we felt it was important to come forward.”
If anyone is experiencing the symptoms of food poisoning, including diarrhea, vomiting, and severe stomach cramps, see your physician for care.
