E. coli linked to popular SF restaurant

(08-30) 19:21 PDT SAN FRANCISCO -- San Francisco's Department of Public Health is investigating an E. coli outbreak that infected 14 people earlier this month, many after they dined at the Burma Superstar restaurant on Clement Street.

Investigators said in a statement Friday that they believe nine of the 14 infected people were exposed to the bacteria when they visited the restaurant in the Inner Richmond neighborhood on Aug. 16 or 17. There have been no fatalities.

The origin of the outbreak is still unknown. Investigators said there have been no new cases since mid-August and they do not think there is an ongoing public health risk.

Burma Superstar, located on Clement Street near Fourth Avenue, will remain open during the investigation, but owner Desmond Tan said he will close it voluntarily for the weekend and reopen Monday.

"We are confident that any exposure has been eliminated and that this appears to be an isolated and singular incident," he said in a statement. "We greatly apologize for the inconvenience this has caused and thank all of our customers for their continued support and patience. We are doing everything we can to ensure that an incident of this type never occurs again."

E. coli is the better-known abbreviation of Escherichia coli, an oftentimes harmless bacteria found in the intestinal tracts of humans and animals. The particular strand of E. coli discovered in San Francisco is E. coli O157, which can cause severe illness, abdominal cramps and diarrhea.

Pathogenic strands of E. coli can be transmitted through contaminated water or food, or through contact with animals or persons, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Burma Superstar is a popular spot known for its spicy Burmese and Chinese food. Tan said the restaurant has been in business for more than 17 years, with locations in Oakland and Alameda, and a sister restaurant, B Star Bar, also on Clement Street.

The restaurant is cooperating in the investigation, authorities said.