2018 Outbreak of E. Coli O26 Linked to Homegrown Restaurants, King County, Washington
On May 25, 2018 Public Health Seattle King County (PHSKC) announced an outbreak of E. Coli O26 associated with Homegrown Restaurants. Four cases were reported. Three were laboratory confirmed with a genetically indistinguishable strain of E. Coli O26. The genetic fingerprint has never been seen in the United States. All four ate the chicken pesto sandwich from one of the restaurants located in Redmond, Kirkland, and Seattle (Westlake Avenue location). Of the 4 ill persons, 3 were adults and one was a child. Illness onset dates occurring during April 24-May 6. No one was hospitalized and no one died. On May 24 PHSKC Environmental Health investigators visited the 3 Homegrown locations where ill persons reported eating. During the field inspections, potential risk factors including hand washing facilities violations at 2 of the 3 locations and a cold holding temperature violation at one of the 3 locations were identified.
- Outbreak began:
- April 2018
- Affected Country:
- US
- Affected States/Territories:
- Washington
- Organism(s):
-
- Non-O157 STEC
- Vehicle(s):
- Chicken pesto sandwich
- Molecular Results Available:
- Unknown
- Test Results:
- None
- Location(s):
- Restaurant
- Brand Name(s):
- Homegrown
- Product Subject to Recall:
- Unknown
-
- Recall Links:
- None
- Total ill:
- 4
- Number ill by Case Definition Known:
- Yes
- Number Laboratory Confirmed Cases:
- 3
- Number Probable Cases:
- 0
- Number Possible Cases:
- 0
- Anyone Hospitalized:
- No
- Number Hospitalized:
- 0
- Any Deaths:
- No
- Number Dead:
- 0
- Any References:
- No
-
- References:
- PHSKC Report, May 27, 2018