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One Death Reported in Oklahoma E. coli Outbreak

41 others hospitalized; Restaurant at center of investigation

August 28, 2008

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A restaurant in Locust Grove, Oklahoma appears to be the source of an E. coli outbreak in the state, that authorities say has killed a man and sent 41 others to the hospital.

The fatality, 26-year old Chad Ingle, became sick after eating at the restaurant, as did the other victims. Larry Weatherford, a spokesman for the Oklahoma Health Department, says the illnesses are believed to be the result of cross contamination within the restaurant itself.

"At this point, the outbreak does not appear to be tied to any single food item," Weatherford told ConsumerAffairs.com.

The Country Cottage Restaurant in Locust Grove is currently under investigation by state and local health inspectors, who hope to pinpoint the exact origin of the outbreak. Weatherford says there is nothing, at this point, to suggest the outbreak is tied to contaminated beef, linked to E. coli outbreaks in the Midwest earlier in the summer.

There are several strains of E. coli, with 0157:H7 being an especially toxic strain that can cause severe illness, and on occasion, even death. Symptoms can include stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting. Most people get better within 15 days, but some cases can lead to kidney failure.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that there could be about 70,000 infections with E. coli O157:H7 each year in the U.S., but no one knows for use because many of those who get sick don't see a doctor.

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