Updated Information on E. coli cases

(Santa Ana) – The Orange County Health Care Agency’s on-going investigation of an increase in reported E. coli 0157:H7 cases has identified a restaurant at which all currently known cases have reported eating.

Interviews with each of the seven currently known cases have determined they all ate at the Foothill Ranch Souplantation located at 26572 Towne Center Drive, Lake Forest, CA 92610. At least six of the seven are known to have eaten at that restaurant on March 23rd or 24th. The continuing investigation will attempt to identify food items that may be implicated. “Staff from the Souplantation restaurant and corporate office have been completely cooperative with our on-going investigation of this foodborne outbreak,” said Eric G. Handler, M.D., County Health Officer.

Individuals who ate at this Souplantation restaurant and have developed symptoms that may include bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps are advised to contact their physician. General information about E. coli is available on the Health Care Agency website at www.ochealthinfo.com or by calling the Agency’s Health Referral Line at 800-564-8448.

Health care providers should immediately report cases of suspect and confirmed E. coli O157:H7, hemolytic uremic syndrome or positive shiga toxin testing to Orange County Public Health Epidemiology at (714) 834-8180.

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