The Oklahoma State Department of Health is investigating whether E. coli is responsible for killing one person and making dozens of others sick.
A spokesperson with St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa says doctors were treating 12 patients suspected of E. coli poisoning. One of those patients died, 26-year-old Chad Ingle of Pryor.
The Oklahoma State Department of Health reports at least 14 cases have been hospitalized, and 20 or more potential cases are being investigated.
Patients come from Tulsa, Locust Grove, Bixby, Sand Springs, Broken Arrow, Peggs, McAlester and Pryor. Doctors suspect E. coli, but the health department has not confirmed if that is the case. Officials won't know for sure until lab results are in.
The state health department also reported on Monday morning that a large number of persons who became ill ate at the Country Cottage restaurant in Locust Grove. The restaurant is working with the health department to assist in the investigation. No source has been identified.
E. coli is a type of bacteria commonly found in uncooked meat and feces. Most strains are harmless, but there are strains that can cause diarrhea, pneumonia, and other illnesses.
Signs and symptoms of these cases include diarrhea, vomiting, and severe abdominal cramping. If you believe you have symptoms of this illness, contact your health care provider immediately.
The family that owns and manages Country Cottage released a statement Monday afternoon:
“We are working closely with the Oklahoma State Health Department on their investigation and are awaiting their final report just as eagerly as the public is. What we do know so far is this: the health department inspected us Saturday, found nothing wrong, and said the restaurant could remain open. Secondly, from area hospital reports it has also come to light that several people reporting similar symptoms did not eat at the restaurant. This is a family-owned restaurant that has been serving the community for more than 20 years, and we have always held ourselves to the highest standards for cleanliness, food handling and health compliance. We appreciate the Health Department's comprehensive investigation – of us and other possible sources. We also appreciate the community's expressions of confidence and support. At the same time, our deepest sympathies go out to Mr. Ingle’s family. Additionally, we remain concerned about our neighbors who have become ill from what appears to be the same illness. We have close relationships with affected persons – in our community, our neighborhood, our schools and our church. Although the source of the illness is unknown, we pray for everyone who is affected by this illness. We have decided to remain closed Tuesday so we can continue our own investigation and continue working closely with the state health department to rule out the restaurant as the source of this illness.”
