The St. Clair County Health Department believes at least 4 others contracted the bacteria on August 23rd or 24th.
20 year old Patty Timko has been in critical condition since Monday. She was originally taken to a hospital on Friday, August 29th. Doctors at that hospital sent her home. Her father took her to another emergency room on Monday, September 1st.
Patty works at Build-A-Bear in St. Clair Square. Co-workers tell her family Patty ate at Habaneros on Sunday, August 24th.
The St. Clair County Health Department has issued a public heath advisory. Habaneros has voluntary closed down so health inspectors can find the source of the outbreak.
The sickened restaurant customers ate at Habaneros on August 23 or August 24, and became ill between August 25 and August 27th. Symptoms include severe diarrhea, stomach cramps, but usually little or no fever. The symptoms usually last between 5 and 10 days.
Anyone who felt sick after eating at Habanero's in the St. Clair Square Mall is urged to call the St. Clair County Health Department at 618-233-7769.
Patty Timko's family is asking for people to donate blood. There will be a blood drive in the Collinsville school district, where Patty's mother works, on November 21st. People can also find out where to donate blood by contacting the American Red Cross, by calling 1-800-GIVE-LIFE, or by clicking on the top link to the right. More information can also be found on E-Coli, by clicking on the lower link to the right.