Health Department Probing 5 E. Coli Cases At Oakland Restaurant
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – The Allegheny County Health Department is investigating after five people were diagnosed with E. coli infections after eating at a restaurant in Oakland this month.
According to Health Department, The Porch restaurant voluntarily closed its doors Wednesday to assist the investigation.
Five people have been diagnosed with E. coli infections since Oct. 1. Four of the five people had to be hospitalized, but all are recovering.
KDKA's David Highfield Reports:
Symptoms usually develop three to four days after exposure and can include stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting.
"We're urging health care providers to test for E. coli to see if there are any additional cases linked to this outbreak so we can stop further transmission of the disease," Health Director Dr. Karen Hacker said in a statement.
KDKA's Paul Martino Reports:
As for The Porch, they have set up a toll-free hotline to answer any questions the public may have. That number is 855-368-8888.
Inside The Porch on Wednesday, employees were being retrained, and fresh new food was being brought in. The County Health Department continues to search for the source.
"It's an ongoing investigation. So we are looking into a variety of things, whether it's from the meat itself or whether it's from someone having hand connection," said Dr. Hacker.
A spokesperson for The Porch, which is owned by Eat 'n Park, says they are working with the Health Department, testing and cleaning.
KDKA's Paul Martino Reports:
Meanwhile, people kept showing up Wednesday night at the Porch at Schenley. They encountered a locked door and sign that says the restaurant will reopen Thursday at 11 a.m.
No word from the Allegheny County Health Department of any additional cases from the five previously reported.
Anyone experiencing E. coli symptoms is being asked to contact their health care provider and to call the Allegheny County Health Department at 412-687-2243.
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