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Health Department Issues Statement Regarding Illnesses

KTUL, Tulsa, OK

August 25, 2008

The Oklahoma State Department of Health has issued a press release regarding the illnesses of nearly three dozen people, including one person who died over the weekend.

The outbreak affected people from several communities, including Bixby, Pryor, Sand Springs, Locust Grove, Broken Arrow, Peggs, Tulsa, and McAlester. At least 14 people have been hospitalized, including one of those victims, 26-year-old Chad Ingle, who died Sunday. Lab tests have not yet come back, but the family says doctors are pointing to E-coli as the cause.

"Disease investigators from the OSDH, Tulsa Health Department, and several northeastern Oklahoma county health departments are looking at all likely sources, including restaurants and specific food sources," the release states. "Early investigation indicates a large number of persons who became ill ate at the Country Cottage restaurant in Locust Grove, OK. The restaurant is working closely with the OSDH to assist in the investigation. No source has been identified."

As NewsChannel 8 reported over the weekend, the Country Cottage restaurant in Locust Grove passed inspection last week, but the restaurant has not been ruled out. The Ingles say they have spoken with several other families who share the link to Country Cottage and released a statement that read "We are anxiously awaiting the health department's final report. At the same time, our hearts go out to those who are sick and we are keeping them continuously in our prayers."

Symptoms to look out for include vomiting, abdominal cramps and hemorrhagic diarrhea, which means blood in your stool. If you think you may have similar symptoms, call the health department at (405)-271-4060.

On The Net:Centers For Disease Control - E-Coli

Oklahoma State Department of Health

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