2008 Outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 Infectitons Linked to Ixtapa Family Mexican Restaurant, Washington

Eating at the Ixtapa Restaurant in Lake Stevens, Washington, was linked to an outbreak of E.coli O157:H7. The menu was complicated and hampered investigation. Guacamole was epidemiologically associated with illness. It was unknown how the guacamole became contaminated. Also guacamole may not have been the sole causative agent.

Overview

Outbreak began:October 2008
Affected country:US
States/territories:WA
Pathogen:E. coli O157:H7
Vehicle(s):Guacamole
Location(s):Restaurant
Brand name(s):Ixtapa Family Mexican Restaurant
Molecular test results:EXHX01.2134/EXHA26.0888

Health impact

Total ill:68
Number hospitalized:4

Sources & documents

Report / reference links
Outbreak documents