4 Cases Of E.Coli Under Investigation In Hunterdon County

The State Department of Health has confirmed four cases of E.coli are under investigation in Hunterdon County. And the illnesses may be connected to a popular chain restaurant, according to sources.

The state Department of Health this week confirmed that it's investigating multiple E. coli cases reported in late March that could be associated with a restaurant chain in at least four New Jersey counties — Somerset, Hunterdon, Warren and Middlesex. The state declined to name what restaurant was implicated in the probe, saying only a through a spokesperson that the cases "might" be associated with a chain.

But on Thursday, a Warren County Health Department official told nj.com that the state is investigating a "cluster" of E. coli cases potentially from local Panera Breads. Specifically, the Phillipsburg-based Panera Bread was being investigated, that report said.

Panera Bread has not returned Patch's multiple requests for comment since Wednesday.

But despite Warren County's admission, state and local officials still would not confirm the restaurant chain in question on Friday because an indisputable connection has not been between the cases and a specific food establishment.

The Hunterdon County Division of Health confirmed that it's investigating a cluster of E. coli cases but also did not confirm Panera was related to the probe.

Karen DeMarco, the Hunterdon County health officer, said there have been no new reports of E.coli cases since March 29. Even still, the four cases in the brief timeframe is unusual for Hunterdon County, where E.coli infections are "relatively rare," DeMarco said.

DeMarco said the county is working with the state to investigate the source of the E.coli, a process that includes compiling a food history for the infected patients. She advises residents who believe they may have been exposed to E.coli (see symptoms here) to contact their doctor.

A total of eight E.coli cases have been reported in New Jersey as part of this cluster, officials say. In addition to the cases in Hunterdon County, two were reported in Somerset County, one in Warren County and one in Middlesex County.

As part of the state's investigation, the state DOH will conduct lab testing. The department said it will also interview the patients and talk to any restaurants with a possible connection.

"Since several counties are involved, they could've gotten sick at home or another restaurant," NJ Dept. of Health spokeswoman Donna Leusner said. "The source or food product cannot be determined until state lab tests are done to tell if they match the various cases of illness and confirm testing with the CDC."

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