Illness Outbreak Traced to Fast-Food Chain

OLYMPIA, Wash. — An outbreak of severe diarrhea and abdominal pain among more than 50 children and adults in western Washington has been traced to a fast-food restaurant chain, state authorities said Monday.

About 75% of the people stricken ate at Jack in the Box restaurants, said Dean Owen, spokesman for the state Health Department. He couldn't say how many restaurants were involved.

Twelve children became seriously ill and were hospitalized after being infected with a strain of bacteria commonly found in undercooked beef. Seven children were receiving kidney dialysis treatment at Children's Hospital and Medical Center in Seattle, the state Health Department said.