TULSA, OKLA. (AP) -- State health officials say one person is dead and dozens of others are sick with an illness that may be related to E. coli bacteria.
The state Health Department says in a statement today that 14 people have been hospitalized and 20 or more cases are being investigated.
The statement says an early investigation found that many of those who became sick ate at the Country Cottage restaurant in Locust Grove but a definite source hasn't been identified.
Department spokesman Larry Weatherford says there have been discussions the illnesses are related to E. coli but it hasn't been confirmed.
The illnesses are a very severe and bloody form of diarrhea with symptoms also including vomiting and severe abdominal cramping.
(Copyright ©2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)