52 sickened; E. coli O157 outbreak at Arizona restaurant

Maricopa County health officials are continuing to investigate a bloody diarrhea outbreak they say is linked to Federico’s Mexican Restaurant in Litchfield Park, Arizona.

The Maricopa County Department of Public Health announced in Aug. that 52 people have Federico's Mexican Restaurant in Litchfield Parkbeen sickened, and of those, 18 have been or are currently hospitalized.

Dr. Bob England, director of the Maricopa County Departments of Public Health, previously told ABC15 a few of the patients have experienced renal failure.

The Maricopa County Environmental Service Department responded to these reports by inspecting the facility immediately and taking food samples.

“The restaurant has been extremely cooperative with our investigation. In fact, out of an abundance of caution and concern for their customers, the restaurant is voluntarily closing,” said Steven Goode, deputy director for MCESD.