VTEC Outbreak at "Flicks" Restaurant, Belfast
Northern Ireland authorities are investigating an extensive outbreak of VTEC E. coli O157 associated with "Flicks" Restaurant in Cityside Mall, York Street, in Belfast. As of 3pm on Wednesday 17 October 2012, there were 25 confirmed cases and 154 probable cases. Eight people have been hospitalised since the start of the outbreak, but the PHA understands that most have now gone home. While authorities have identified the location of the outbreak as being this restaurant, no food vehicles have yet been identified. The restaurant closed voluntarily to assist investigators. Fuller information can be found on the website of Northern Ireland’s Public Health Agency at http://www.publichealth.hscni.net/.