E. coli cases linked to Toccoa Restaurant

Sister station WNEG reports the number of cases in a Stephens County E. coli outbreak is now up to 11.  In an e-mail, District Two Public Health Spokesman Dave Palmer said 10 Georgia residents and 1 South Carolina resident have been confirmed as having a strain of E. coli. In addition, Palmer said that 10 of the 11 patients reported eating at the BBQ Shack in Toccoa during the weekend of May 2 through 4, with no other common exposures being reported among patients. According to Palmer, investigators have not yet identified the exact source of the E. coli infection.  Palmer added that the BBQ Shack is working closely with state and local public health officials in the ongoing investigation. According to Palmer, seven of the 11 cases have been hospitalized because of the infections.  Health officials said symptoms of E. coli infection include stomach cramps, diarrhea, and bloody diarrhea and occur about three to four days after exposure to the bacteria. Those officials went on to say anyone who experiences the symptoms of E. coli infection should seek advice from their health care provider.