Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
E. Coli on the Move
By
Kapil Desai
Published Dec 5, 2006
Modified Mar 7, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Kapil Desai
Published Dec 5, 2006
Modified Mar 7, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
It seems that the e. coli that's been hanging out at a few New Jersey Taco Bells this week has joined the bridge and tunnel crowd, making its way over to New York. At least 14 people in Suffolk and Nassau Counties in Long Island are being treated for the infection, bringing the New Jersey/New York total to at least 39. While there is no definite link between the incidents in both states, eight Taco Bells have voluntarily closed down in Long Island for inspection with nine of the victims from Suffolk County having eaten there recently. Investigators say that since the initial infection likely took place weeks ago, it is difficult to actually identify the culprit food. But either way, the closed restaurants are being sanitized and all of their food supplies are being replaced. Officials think that the threat has probably passed, since there hasn't been a new infection since November 29th (no New York City locations have reported an e.coli outbreaks, but who knows how long food lasts at Taco Bell?).
.
As we posted yesterday, e.coli is normally a harmless bacteria which lives in the intestines of humans and farm animals. However, certain strains are more virulent, leading to a range of illnesses from traveler's diarrhea to frank organ failure. Most infections are acquired from eating undercooked meat or vegetables - like in the spinach scare earlier this year.
Symptoms (fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea) typically appear 3-8 days after contact. And a list of the affected Long Island restaurants is here.
Tagged
animals
As
city
e coli
food
health
long island
maps
new jersey
new york
new york city
people
restaurants
suffolk county
taco bell
Taco Bells
this week
us
Kapil Desai
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Mamdani names re-entry specialist as chair of Rikers oversight board
Christopher Watler will help the department that a federal monitor says remains in crisis.
By
Ryan Kost
Published Oct 6, 2026 at 3:52 p.m. ET
NYC weighs expanding upstate reservoir following drought
The Delaware River Basin Commission is evaluating options to increase water storage, including expanding a reservoir in New York City.
By
Rosemary Misdary
News
NYC weighs expanding upstate reservoir following drought
The Delaware River Basin Commission is evaluating options to increase water storage, including expanding a reservoir in New York City.
By
Rosemary Misdary
Legionella found in Staten Island building's water system after 2 positive cases
By
Catalina Gonella
Legal 'loophole' helps NY Gov. Kathy Hochul, Bruce Blakeman raise millions
By
Jon Campbell
Police identify 2 men wanted for stabbing an off-duty NYPD officer
By
Ben Feuerherd
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .