More Sick, Hospitalized After Salmonella Outbreak At San Diego Restaurant

SAN DIEGO, CA — More people have gotten sick in connection with a salmonella outbreak linked to a San Diego area restaurant.

As of Thursday, the county has recorded 37 probable and confirmed cases of people getting sick with salmonella after eating food between April 25 through May 1 at the Aladdin Mediterranean Café in the Clairemont area of San Diego, according to San Diego County's Environmental Health and Quality Department.

The cases involved people between 1 and 90 years old. Nine people were hospitalized, according to the county.

The restaurant voluntarily closed on May 1. Operators have since been working with the county's Environmental Health and Quality Department along with Public Health Services on the investigation into the outbreak.

"The source of the salmonella outbreak has not been identified and the investigation is ongoing," county officials said. "The county continues to work closely with the restaurant operator. The restaurant will remain closed until it is safe to operate, and when its management is ready to reopen."

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, but 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.

County officials advised people who ate between April 25 through May 1 at Aladdin Mediterranean Café and experience symptoms to contact a health care provider as needed.  

People who are still sick or have recovered after dining at Aladdin Mediterranean Café can report their illness to the Environmental Health and Quality Department by calling 858-505-6814 or by emailing this form to fhdepi@sdcounty.ca.gov.

Previous coverage:

• Lawsuits Filed Against Restaurant Linked To Salmonella Outbreak
• 5 Hospitalized In Salmonella Outbreak Linked To San Diego Restaurant