Top restaurant closes in Ecoli scare

A top restaurant has closed its doors after five cases of the E.coli bug were believed to have started there.

Health officials appealed to anybody who showed signs of food poisoning after eating at the restaurant to contact them.

O’Connell’s restaurant in Dublin voluntarily closed its doors on Wednesday when an investigation indicated possible links with an outbreak of the E.coli O157 bug.

Over the past fortnight there have been five confirmed cases of the potentially fatal infection and a further two probable cases. All of those affected have made a full recovery.

In a statement the Eastern Regional Health Authority said: “There are now indications that there may be a possible association between the cases and eating in O’Connell’s restaurant in Bewley’s Hotel in Ballsbridge.

“The management and staff of the restaurant are co-operating fully in the investigation and as a precautionary measure have effected a voluntary closure until the investigation is complete.”

A spokeswoman said that people who ate at the restaurant between July 22 and August 22 and displayed symptoms should contact the Eastern Regional Health Authority helpline on 1800 383800.

She said E.coli O157 caused a gastrointestinal illness which caused vomiting and diarrhoea and sometimes severe abdominal pain.

The bug could cause further complications, particularly in the elderly or the very young.

O’Connell’s has been listed for the past three years in the Bridgestone Best in Ireland Guide and the Jameson Guide.

In 2002 it was one on only 12 restaurants in Dublin to be awarded a demi-star rating in the Jameson Guide.