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Photo: E. coli bacteria. Image source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
May 23, 2026 (San Diego) – County health officials are urging anyone who has eaten at The Kebab Shop restaurant chain between March 27 and April 30, 2026, and later became ill with a stomach illness to get medical care right away amid a statewide outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC).
Locally, two people have become infected with STEC after eating at local The Kebab Shop locations. One was hospitalized but since released. Statewide, nine STEC cases across five counties are linked to the chain’s beef kofta dish. Six patients are children. Five people have been hospitalized, and two developed hemolytic uremic syndrome(HUS), a serious complication that can cause kidney damage and is sometimes fatal. No deaths have been reported, and no cases outside California are currently connected to the outbreak.
The California Department of Public Health is investigating. The restaurant chain is fully cooperating with public health officials and stopped selling the beef dish on or before May 18. Health officials say customers are no longer at risk from eating the product.
The County’s Public Health Services’ Epidemiology unit and Department of Environmental Health and Quality are working with state and federal health officials on the local investigation.
“If you visited The Kebab Shop between March 27 and April 30, 2026 and developed stomach symptoms, please seek medical help right away.,” said Dr. Sayone Thihalolipavan, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “Children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems face the highest risk from STEC infections.”
STEC symptoms typically begin three to four days after eating or drinking something contaminated with the bacteria. Common symptoms include severe abdominal cramps, watery or bloody diarrhea and vomiting.
People with these symptoms should contact their healthcare provider. To learn more about E. Coli, visit the County website.
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