An elderly man has died after dining at a popular Mexican restaurant chain during an E. coli outbreak in Southern California, officials confirmed on Wednesday. The deceased, John Christ Ferber, 87, passed away on October 26, according to the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office. His death comes after the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency announced an outbreak of Shiga-toxin-producing E. Coli linked to Miguel’s Cocina in 4S Ranch in San Diego County. The exact cause and manner of Ferber’s death are still pending official autopsy results, but County of San Diego Director Michael Workman stated that the man had underlying health issues and was under medical care at the time of his passing. The cause of the outbreak is currently under investigation, and no other restaurants have been linked to these cases.
Ferber’s death is the first among the cases tied to dining at the restaurant. He was a Korean War veteran and had worked at U.S. Bank as a commercial real estate banker for over three decades. He had also worked for the Mortgage Bankers Association of America for 10 years and the University of San Diego for more than two decades.
The E. coli outbreak has infected 36 individuals, with 10 of them being hospitalized, including four children, according to Workman. Initially, the health department reported 13 confirmed or probable cases involving individuals aged 6 to 87. Those who fell ill, as well as their family members, reported eating at the restaurant between October 6-18, and symptoms occurred from October 13-19. One case developed a severe complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can affect kidney and blood clotting functions.
Following the outbreak, the restaurant voluntarily closed its doors until the source of the outbreak could be identified. It has since reopened after undergoing disinfection and replacing all its food, according to San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency spokesperson Tim McLain.
At least two lawsuits have been filed against Miguel’s Cocina in connection to the outbreak. The first suit was filed on behalf of a woman who visited the restaurant on October 12 and experienced symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea, along with blood in her stool. The second lawsuit was filed by a San Diego resident who claimed to have fallen ill after consuming mushroom, chicken, and shrimp fajitas at the restaurant.
E. Coli is a type of bacteria found in the environment, food, and the intestines of humans and animals, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While most strains are harmless, some can cause illness, including diarrhea, urinary tract infections, respiratory illness, or pneumonia.
The investigation into the outbreak is still ongoing, and it remains uncertain which food item contained the E. coli bacteria.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: E. coli outbreak at Miguel’s Cocina tied to 87-year-old’s death.
