News Summary
Health officials in San Diego are investigating a salmonella outbreak connected to Aladdin Mediterranean Café, leading to 14 reported cases and five hospitalizations. The restaurant has voluntarily closed while authorities work to determine the source of the infection. Symptoms of salmonellosis can manifest from 12 to 72 hours after consuming contaminated food. This outbreak serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety practices. Public health officials continue to monitor the situation and advise individuals to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms, especially if they dined at the café on the affected dates.
San Diego – Public health officials are currently investigating a salmonella outbreak linked to Aladdin Mediterranean Café, located at 5420 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard in San Diego’s Clairemont neighborhood. The investigation has identified a total of 14 confirmed and probable cases related to food consumed at the restaurant on April 25 and 26, 2025.
As of now, five individuals have been hospitalized due to complications arising from the outbreak. The affected individuals are between the ages of 18 and 79. The San Diego County’s Environmental Health and Quality Department and Public Health Services are jointly conducting the investigation to determine the source of the salmonella infection, though no specific source has been identified at this time.
In light of the situation, Aladdin Mediterranean Café has voluntarily closed its operations. This decision allows health officials to conduct thorough testing and interview the restaurant’s staff as part of their investigation. The café will not be permitted to reopen until public health authorities confirm that there is no ongoing risk to the community.
Characteristics of Salmonella Infection
A salmonella infection causes a condition known as salmonellosis. Symptoms typically initiate 12 to 72 hours after consuming contaminated food and can last from four to seven days. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (which may contain blood or mucus), abdominal cramps, and fever. While most healthy individuals recover without medical treatment, certain vulnerable populations such as children under five, adults over 65, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems face higher risks for severe illness.
Current Situation and Statistics
As of April 28, 2025, there have been 184 cases of salmonellosis reported in San Diego County this year. In comparison, the numbers from previous years illustrate fluctuations in reported cases: there were 753 cases in 2024, 685 in 2023, and 683 in 2022. Health experts note that symptoms of salmonella can take anywhere from four days to four weeks to manifest following exposure to contaminated food.
Next Steps for Public Health Officials
The investigation continues as health officials work to pinpoint the source of the outbreak. They are expected to provide further updates on the situation as more information becomes available. Keeping the public informed is critical to mitigating the risk of further infections linked to this outbreak.
Overall, this situation serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety practices at restaurants. Individuals are advised to be vigilant about their health and to seek medical attention if they develop symptoms consistent with salmonellosis, especially if they have consumed food from Aladdin Mediterranean Café on the specified dates.
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Additional Resources
- NBC San Diego
- Wikipedia: Salmonella
- Patch
- Google Search: Salmonella outbreak San Diego
- Fox 5 San Diego
- Google Scholar: Salmonellosis
- Times of San Diego
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Salmonella
- Food Poison Journal
- Google News: Salmonella outbreak San Diego
