County Health Officials Say 10 People Affected
Jermaine Ong
Web Editor

SAN DIEGO — An outbreak of a food-borne illness has shut down a local restaurant, according to a press release from the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency.

According to an HHSA release, 10 people have been diagnosed with symptoms of Shigella, a known food-borne illness. The 10 cases have been traced to the Filbertos restaurant on 3446 University Avenue, investigators said.

Investigators said they believe people eating at the restaurant between Aug. 24 and Aug. 28 may have been exposed to Shigella.

San Diego County Department of Health officials closed the restaurant on Aug. 31, and it will remain closed pending further investigation of any violations.

Symptoms of Shigella include fever, watery or bloody diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. According to San Diego County Public Health Officer Nancy Bowen, symptoms usually begin within two days of eating or drinking infected items and usually last five to seven days.

HHSA investigators said although the Shigella outbreak was traced to Filbertos, the exact cause of the outbreak has not yet been determined.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers more information on Shigella on its Web site – www.cdc.gov. Also, see www.about-shigella.com