In October of 2008, Snohomish County Health Department (SCHD) epidemiologists investigated an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak among patrons of the Ixtapa Family Mexican Restaurant in Lake Stevens, Washington. Dates of illness onset ranged from October 7-17, 2008.
An investigaltion by the SCHD and the Washington State Department of Health (WSDOH) identified sixty-four cases of E. coli infection linked to the consumption of food at Ixtapa restaurant. Four confirmed cases were hospitalized, and one developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a severe complication of E. coli that can lead to kidney failure.
The Marler Clark law firm filed lawsuits on behalf of 25 victims of the Ixtapa E. coli outbreak. All but 2 cases have been resolved.