News Summary

San Diego County is addressing a salmonella outbreak linked to Aladdin Mediterranean Café, with 14 confirmed cases reported. Five individuals have been hospitalized. Health officials are investigating the restaurant while it closes temporarily to safeguard public health. Community members are urged to monitor for symptoms. The situation poses a reminder of the importance of food safety practices.

San Diego Investigates Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Aladdin Mediterranean Café

San Diego is currently dealing with a salmonella outbreak that has been traced back to the popular Aladdin Mediterranean Café located in the Clairemont area. The San Diego County Health Department has reported a total of 14 confirmed and probable cases of salmonellosis associated with dining at the restaurant on April 25 and 26, 2025. Among those affected, five individuals have required hospitalization due to their symptoms, which can include severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

The investigation, led by the county’s Environmental Health and Quality Department in collaboration with Public Health Services, is ongoing. While health officials have not yet pinpointed the specific source of the salmonella contamination, they are actively working to gather information from restaurant staff and conducting necessary testing. In response to this health concern, Aladdin Mediterranean Café has proactively closed its doors to facilitate the investigation.

Investigation and Health Implications

County epidemiologists have identified affected individuals ranging in age from 18 to 79 years. Symptoms of salmonellosis often appear within 12 to 72 hours after consuming contaminated food, lasting between four to seven days. The health risks associated with salmonella infections are particularly significant for vulnerable populations such as young children, elderly individuals, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.

As of April 28, 2025, the overall count of confirmed salmonellosis cases in San Diego County for this year stands at 184. This figure indicates a rise in cases when compared to previous years, with 753 cases reported in 2024, 685 in 2023, and 683 in 2022. Public health officials continue to monitor the situation closely as it evolves.

Understanding Salmonella

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can lead to an infection known as salmonellosis. Symptoms often include abdominal cramps, fever, and diarrhea that could potentially be bloody or contain mucus. Most individuals recover from this infection without needing medical intervention; however, the potential for severe illness remains a concern for high-risk groups. For the general public, awareness of proper food safety practices is essential in preventing future outbreaks.

Future Steps for Aladdin Mediterranean Café

Aladdin Mediterranean Café’s cooperation with health officials during this investigation has been commended. Once the investigation concludes and ensures that there is no ongoing health risk, the restaurant will be evaluated for clearance to reopen its doors to the public. Stakeholders urge community members who may have dined there during the outbreak dates to monitor their health and report any concerning symptoms to healthcare providers.

This outbreak serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety and public health protocols in the restaurant industry. Community members are advised to stay informed and adhere to health guidelines to mitigate the risks associated with foodborne illnesses.

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Additional Resources

• NBC San Diego
• Wikipedia: Salmonella
• Food Safety News
• Google Search: Salmonella Outbreak San Diego
• Fox 5 San Diego
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Salmonella
• Food Poison Journal
• Google News: Salmonella Outbreak 2025
• Patch San Diego