DHSS Press Release |
Date: December 14, 2006 DHSS-129-2006 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Jay Lynch, Communications Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 Email: jay.lynch@state.de.us |
Contact: Reporters Phone: 302-744-4907 |
DPH RULES OUT SUSPECT E. COLI CASES, INVESTIGATES ANOTHER
Update as of 3 p.m
Tests results from the Delaware Public Health Laboratory today ruled out three cases of illness linked to Taco Bell restaurants as not E. coli. Lab cultures and shigatoxin tests for a 14 year-old boy and 59 year-old woman, both of New Castle County, and a 20 year-old Sussex County man, were found negative.
The Division of Public Health is investigating a new suspect case in a 53 year-old New Castle County woman who dined at Taco Bell on Nov. 30 and Dec. 13. For complete information on all E. coli investigations related to Taco Bell, go to www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/index.html under "How Do I" on the home page.
All Delaware Taco Bell restaurants are able to serve customers following DPH inspections. Earlier today, two Delaware Taco Bell restaurants associated with cases of foodborne illness passed re-inspections by Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) and completed mandatory safety interventions. The Taco Bells at 3902 Concord Pike, Wilmington and 379 E Chestnut Hill Plaza, Newark completed food safety training yesterday provided by DPH food safety inspectors and were free to reopen. The two restaurants will operate with the replacement employees from other Taco Bell locations until lab results are available on stool samples provided by regularly scheduled employees. Results are expected later this week.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
