E Coli closes Dublin restaurant

O’Connell’s in Bewley’s Hotel, Ballsbridge the restaurant run by Tom O’Connell, brother of Darina Allen, has closed after health authorities discovered an outbreak of potentially fatal E Coli.

Separate investigations have been launched by the Eastern Health Authority and the Food Safety Authority. Apparently there were five confirmed cases of the bug, plus two probables. All have been treated and have recovered. Up to 18 further cases, originally diagnosed as gastroenteritis, are also being investigated.

The restaurant closed voluntarily yesterday afternoon. The hotel is contacting suppliers in an attempt to trace the source of the outbreak

E Coli 0157 causes gastroentestinal illness, vomiting and diarrhoea which may be bloody and accompanied by severe abdominal pain. It can cuse complications, particularly with th very young or elderly.