An E.coli outbreak associated with Federico’s Mexican Food in Litchfield Park, Ariz., has sickened 33 people and hospitalized 15, according to Maricopa County Health officials. The restaurant closed briefly after the outbreak was discovered on Friday but reopened for lunch today.
Some of those hospitalized were children who are at particular risk with E.coli infections because their immune systems are not fully developed. About 15 percent of children under ten who contract an E. coli infection develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) which leads to kidney failure.
E.coli, a bacteria that lives in the bowels of animals, is transferred through he fecal-oral route, meaning those who became ill ate food that has microscopic amounts of fecal matter on it. Symtoms of an E.coli infection include severe abdominal cramps, vomiting and diarrhea or bloody diarrhea. These symptoms usually develop three to four days after exposure. Anyone who has these symptoms should see a doctor. E.coli infections can be made worse through treatment with antibiotics or over-the-counter antidiarrheal medicines such as Imodium.
Health officials have not yet determined the source of the food poisoning. The investigation is ongoing.
