E. coli Outbreak Linked To Burgers At Twin Cities Restaurants

TWIN CITIES, MN — An E. coli outbreak linked to burgers served at popular Twin Cities restaurants has prompted a warning from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).

Health officials are urging anyone who ate a hamburger at a table-service restaurant since Oct. 31 to contact their healthcare provider if they developed diarrhea within the following week. Those who ate undercooked burgers and developed bloody diarrhea should be especially concerned.

MDH has identified ten cases of E. coli O157 infection tied to burgers at multiple Red Cow locations, a restaurant chain with venues in Hennepin, Ramsey, and Olmsted counties.

Another case was reported at Hen House Eatery in Minneapolis, which received the same ground beef product suspected in the outbreak, officials said.

The meals were eaten between Oct. 31 and Nov. 7, with symptoms appearing from Nov. 4 to Nov. 9. The affected individuals range in age from 9 to 70, and two have been hospitalized.

"Red Cow and Hen House Eatery owners are fully cooperating with the investigation and have made multiple changes, including product changes, to prevent further illnesses," the MDH said in a news release.

"MDH is working with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and multiple local environmental health agencies during this ongoing investigation."

Health officials are investigating additional potential cases, as the ground beef was distributed to other establishments.

The MDH provided the following information about E. coli O157:

• Symptoms of illness caused by E. coli O157 typically include stomach cramps and diarrhea, often with bloody stools, but only a low-grade or no fever.
• People typically become ill two to five days after exposure, but this period can range from one to eight days.
• Most people recover in five to 10 days.
• About 5 percent of E. coli O157 infections lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a severe complication that involves acute kidney failure and other severe problems. Treatment with fluids can help prevent HUS, but E. coli O157 gastroenteritis should not be treated with antibiotics, which can increase the likelihood of HUS.
• Anyone who believes they may have developed an E. coli O157 infection should contact their healthcare provider.
• Approximately 100 cases of E. coli O157 infection are reported yearly in Minnesota

More information on E. coli O157 and how to prevent it can be found on the MDH E. coli website.