Wonder Coffee and Sports Bar Linked to E. coli Outbreak

King County Public Health is investigating an E. coli outbreak linked to Wonder Coffee and Sports Bar in Seattle Washington.

Two people sickened with the same strain of E. coli bacteria reported becoming sick after eating food from Wonder Coffee and Sports Bar.

Here’s what we know about the situation.

Two Wonder Coffee and Sports Bar Customers Sick

Two people sickened with the same strain of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) O121 bacteria became sick after eating food from Wonder Coffee and Sports Bar in mid-July.

Both people ate foods that could have made them sick, including raw or undercooked beef, or other foods that may have been contaminated by raw or undercooked beef at the establishment located at 1800 S. Jackson St. E. in Seattle.

Patients reported illnesses on July 12 and July 17, 2024 after eating food at the establishment on July 10, 2024. Both customers reported STEC symptoms including diarrhea (often bloody), stomach cramping, nausea, and vomiting.

Disease Investigators Inspected Wonder Coffee and Sports Bar Following These Reports

Following reports of illness with a common potential source, disease investigators inspected Wonder Coffee and Sports Bar.

Environmental Health Investigators visited the establishment on July 25, 2024 where several potential risk factors were observed.

• Poor hand washing facilities
• Improperly cleaned food processing equipment
• Improper separation of raw and ready-to-eat foods

No Wonder Coffee and Sports Bar restaurant workers reported being sick with STEC symptoms at the time of inspection.

Investigators Educated Staff on STEC Contamination Prevention

While visiting the establishment, investigators provided education about preventing STEC contamination.

Key topics included:

• Proper handwashing
• Consumer advisory for raw or undercooked foods not appropriately posted
• Preventing bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods
• Preventing cross contamination with raw meat and ready-to-eat food during food preparation
• Improper temperature control or use of food thermometer
• Improper cold holding temperatures
• Making sure restaurant staff know to stay home when feeling sick with symptoms related to STEC
• When restaurant staff have STEC, they need further testing before going back to work to make sure they cannot spread STEC to someone else.

Investigators revisited the restaurant on July 29, 2024 to ensure compliance.

Not the First Time Wonder Coffee and Sports Bar Have Had Problems

The current deficiencies found at Wonder Coffee and Sports Bar are all contributing factors to spreading foodborne illness. Particularly potentially fatal STEC bacterial infections.

However, this is not the first time the restaurant has been cited for these issues.

Last year the restaurant was warned about separating raw meats from ready-to-eat foods, improper hand washing facilities, and food contact surface cleaned and sanitized.

Hand washing facilities have been an ongoing issue for this establishment, as they were also cited earlier that year for that issue along with operating without a valid permit/written risk control plans.

Prior to that, they were cited for adequate handwashing facilities, hands washed as required, and keeping food contact surfaces maintained clean and sanitized.

Handwashing issues were also brought up in inspections in 2016 and 2017.

The Investigation is Ongoing

Despite the facility’s inspection demonstrating risk factors that could have contributed to the illnesses, investigators are continuing to work on this outbreak investigation.

According to King County Public Health, “Even though we think this is the most likely source of how both people got sick, we do not know for certain. We are still investigating how the beef might have been contaminated with STEC”

The investigation is ongoing.

What is STEC

E. coli is a type of bacteria known to live inside the digestive system of both humans and animals. Some strains of this bacteria are harmful and even beneficial to human gut health. Others, however, can cause serious infections.

STEC are certain strains of E. coli bacteria that produce a toxin that can cause serious illness in humans. Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, like the outbreak strain STEC O121, can make people very sick.

Common sources of STEC infections include:

• Raw or undercooked beef products (including ground beef)
• Unpasteurized products (including milk, cheese, and juice)
• Contaminated raw fruits, vegetables, sprouts, and herbs
• Water contaminated with animal feces
• Direct contact with farm animals or their environment
• Cross contamination of raw beef or its juices onto ready-to-eat foods

Common STEC symptoms include diarrhea (often bloody) and stomach cramps with mild or no fever.

Most infections resolve within a week without medical attention. However, some people may experience severe illness or complications from STEC infections.

STEC and Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome

Around 5 to 10% of those diagnosed with STEC infection develop a life-threatening complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). HUS is a type of kidney failure resulting from ruptured blood cells blocking the filtering capabilities in the kidney.

HUS symptoms often include:

• Decreased urination
• Feeling very tired
• Paleness in the eyelids

People with HUS symptoms should seek medical attention immediately because their kidneys may fail and develop other serious complications.

Most people with HUS feel better within a few weeks. However, some may experience long-term or permanent damage. Or even die.

STEC and Food Service

Sick people suspected of having STEC infection or STEC symptoms should not work in food handling environments. Some people can remain contagious, even after their own symptoms resolve.

Laboratory testing is necessary for food workers to return to the restaurant following STEC infections to prevent the spread of illness.

Have You Become Sick After Eating at Wonder Coffee and Sports Bar Recently?

If you have eaten at Wonder Coffee and Sports Bar recently and have fallen sick, investigators want to hear from you. King County Public Health is still gathering information about illnesses associated with Wonder Coffee and Sports Bar to better understand the STEC outbreak.

The Lange Law Firm, PLLC Can Help!

If you have questions about your STEC Ecoli illness from Wonder Coffee and Sports Bar, the Lange Law Firm, PLLC can help.

The legal process can be confusing. An experienced Ecoli lawyer can help you receive the justice you deserve.

Call The Lange Law Firm, PLLC at (833) 330-3663 or fill out the online submission form and a compassionate member of the team will go over the details of your situation to determine if you have a legal case.

Don’t wait. Call today!

By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)