Health officials have linked a Texas E. coli outbreak to ground beef served at a Brazos County restaurant. The name of the restaurant has not been released, so we are asking our readers to send us information.
The Brazos County Health Department (BCHD) has confirmed five cases of E. coli. The department investigated five additional cases of illness involving symptoms of E. coli food poisoning, but these cases are still suspected and not yet confirmed. E. coli can cause severe complications, including hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP).
“Control measures have been implemented to prevent further cases including mandatory glove use by employees and continuous monitoring by BCHD,” said BCHD in a press release.
“The health department should release outbreak investigation information, including the name of the restaurant and any health code violations,” said Fred Pritzker, a food safety lawyer who represents E. coli food poisoning victims in lawsuits against restaurants.
The BCHD stated, “This was an isolated incident and is not a ongoing threat to public health. It’s not known if the cause is due to improper temperature, improper cooking, or cross contamination.” BCHD and Texas Department of State Health Services have concluded their investigation at this time. It will host a press conference tomorrow at 1:00 in the health department classroom.
The symptoms of an E. coli infection are usually quite severe and most people do see a doctor. Those symptoms include severe and painful stomach and abdominal cramps, and diarrhea that is usually bloody or watery.
