5 Hospitalized In Salmonella Outbreak Linked To San Diego Restaurant

SAN DIEGO, CA — Public health officials were investigating a salmonella outbreak linked to a San Diego area restaurant.

People reported getting sick after eating food April 25 and 26 at Aladdin Mediterranean Café in the Clairemont area of San Diego. County epidemiologists identified 14 confirmed and probable cases associated with the outbreak, according to San Diego County's Environmental Health and Quality Department.

The cases involved people between 18 and 79 years old. Five people were hospitalized, according to the county.

The county's Environmental Health and Quality Department was conducting the investigation along with Public Health Services.

"No source of the outbreak has been determined, however once the investigation is complete and it is determined there is no ongoing risk, the restaurant will be cleared to resume operation," county officials said.

Aladdin Mediterranean Café voluntarily closed when notified of the situation to allow health officials to conduct testing and interview staff, according to the county.

Salmonella causes an infection called salmonellosis. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea that might have blood or mucous, abdominal cramps and fever. Symptoms generally begin 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Illness from salmonella can last four to seven days. Most people recover without treatment.

People who are at higher risk for serious illnesses from salmonella include children younger than 5, adults older than 65, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.

As of April 28, the county has identified 184 cases of salmonellosis in 2025 across the region. In 2024, there were 753 cases identified, compared with 685 in 2023 and 683 in 2022.