More Seek Help For Possible Food-Borne Illness

The number of people affected by a possible food-borne illness outbreak continues to climb.  An area hospital reports that 28 people have been treated, up from 12 earlier on Monday.  One person has died, and officials are investigating at least 20 more potential cases.  The News On 6's Chris Wright reports many of the victims say they ate at a popular, family-owned restaurant in Locust Grove within the past week.    

Now health officials are trying to figure out exactly what caused so many people to get so sick.

"It seemed like everywhere he went he touched lives, you know. And everywhere he went, people liked him because he was a happy go-lucky person," said Doris Ingle.

Doris and Lawrence Ingle are still reeling from the death of their son, Chad.  The 26-year-old became ill last week, was hospitalized on Thursday, and passed away on Sunday.  His parents are convinced a meal at Country Cottage in Locust Grove made him sick.

"My son is gone, just from eating bad food. And, we know its food. He had no health problems, whatsoever," said Doris Ingle.

The relatives of a number of other victims claim they ate at the same restaurant.

Doctors say many of the patients are suffering from what appears to be Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, or HUS.  Symptoms include diarrhea, intense abdominal cramping, and dehydration.  In the majority of cases, experts say the syndrome is triggered by the E. coli bacteria.

"It can be fatal. We manage it very aggressively, and as I've said, it put three children in the ICU," said Dr. William Banner.

The 2006 E. coli outbreak in spinach was blamed for dozens of cases of HUS.  According to medical experts, 70% of HUS victims are children, but the syndrome can pose more problems for adults.  They say HUS is especially dangerous because it can cause kidney failure, or lead to long-term kidney issues.

But, regardless of what killed their son, the Ingles say no explanation will make up for his loss.

"I think I'm having a nightmare and I'm going to wake up soon.  That's what I think. My son is gone," said Doris Ingle.

Doctors are recommending that anyone who ate at Country Cottage last week, and is not feeling well, see a doctor immediately.

For more information, you can also call the Oklahoma Department of Health at (405)-271-4060.

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Release from the Oklahoma Department of Health [8/25/2008]:

Outbreak of Severe Diarrheal Illness in Northeastern Oklahoma

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is investigating an outbreak of severe diarrheal illness among residents of several northeastern Oklahoma communities. At least 14 cases have been hospitalized and 20 or more potential cases are under investigation. One person has died.

Disease investigators from the OSDH, Tulsa Health Department, and several northeastern Oklahoma county health departments are looking at all likely sources, including restaurants and specific food sources. Early investigation indicates a large number of persons who became ill ate at the Country Cottage restaurant in Locust Grove, OK. The restaurant is working closely with the OSDH to assist in the investigation. No source has been identified.

State public health laboratory officials are conducting confirmatory testing of specimens to try to determine the diagnosis.

Persons who have become ill are from a number of communities including Bixby, Pryor, Sand Springs, Locust Grove, Broken Arrow, Peggs, Tulsa, and McAlester.

Signs and symptoms of these cases include diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and severe abdominal cramping. Fever is generally mild to absent. Persons who believe they have symptoms of this illness should contact their health care provider immediately.

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Related story:

8/24/2008  Death May Be Related To Possible E. Coli Outbreak