Outbreak of Severe Diarrheal Illness of E. coli O111 in Northeastern
Oklahoma - 176 Sickened Linked to Country Cottage
Posted on August 30, 2008 by Food Poisoning Attorney
The Oklahoma State Department of Health
(OSDH) reports today that at least 176 persons have become ill as a
result of the E. coli O111 outbreak in northeastern Oklahoma. Cases
include 128 adults and 48 children. Federal and state health officials
say E. coli O111 is a rare type not normally associated with an
outbreak this large. OSDH disease investigators, along with staff from
Tulsa Health Department and area local county health departments, have
interviewed more than 450 persons in an effort to identify the source
of the outbreak. Interviews continue this weekend. While the source has
not yet been identified, health officials continue to focus on the
Country Cottage restaurant in Locust Grove, OK, after interviews with
cases indicated most had eaten there during the time period Aug. 15
through Aug. 23.
The restaurant is closed while the investigation continues. Not all
persons who ate at the restaurant have become ill. No other restaurant
or food service outlet in the area has been linked to the outbreak.
OSDH laboratory analysis of water samples taken from a private well on
the restaurant property is continuing, however, health officials
believe it is unlikely that any well water contamination is the source
of the outbreak.
