The Oklahoma State Department of Health announced on Wednesday that the number of people ill in connection with an E. coli outbreak associated with a Locust Grove restaurant has risen to 231, making the outbreak the largest of its type in the nation.

E. coli is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting and in most severe cases kidney failure. Most of the infected persons get well in 15 days. People predisposed to the infection include children, seniors, and persons whose immune system is weakened. Antibiotics typically are not helpful, and infections are often treated by drinking fluids and taking pain relievers.

The CDC estimates that there may be about 70,000 infections with E. coli annually in the United States, with many of these cases not seeking medical care. About 60 people die after being infected with E. coli the same statistics show. Most of them do not seek treatment or have weak immune systems, such as the elderly.

According to the state Health Department, many of those becoming ill ate at Locust Grove’s Country Cottage restaurant between Aug. 15 and 17.

Of those, 43 are children. One person has died, 61 have been hospitalized and 16 are already getting dialysis treatment because kidney failure.

The number of people infected with E. coli is expected to increase as the investigation continues. The investigators examine all possible sources, restaurants and specific food sources counting among them, according to the press statement issued by The Oklahoma State Department of Health. Also, they are interviewing the individuals who fell ill, the epidemiologist said. 

Water coming from a private well located on the property of the Country Cottage restaurant was ruled out as a source of the contamination, health officials said.

Now, seven families who have been victims of the infection have already contacted a legal firm in Washington State to sue the restaurant blamed for the outbreak. Representative for the restaurant, Amanda Clinton was not surprised at all at the news, as the attorneys have been advertising their services online to the victims.

“I would not be surprised if multiple lawsuits are filed, based on past, similar cases. If I had someone in my family who was sick, I would probably file a lawsuit too,” Clinton said.