Since the beginning of the outbreak this October, almost 200 people from San Francisco have been infected by a highly contagious disease-causing intestinal bacteria.

A Shigelliosis outbreak that reportedly begun at a Mexican restaurant last Oct. 16, now has spread across five other counties and onto 182 people. Many patients had to be hospitalized and nearly a dozen had to be admitted to intensive care. At least 15 people have been confirmed to have Shigella bacteria in their stool samples.

Health authorities traced the bacteria to the Mexican seafood restaurant Mariscos San Juan at downtown San Jose, which was closed Oct. 18 by the Santa Clara County health officers. So far, the ones who were infected by the bacteria were the patrons who dined at the restaurant either Friday or Saturday of that week.

Shigelliosis is caused by the Shigella group of bacteria. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it causes about 500,000 cases a year in the U.S. Symptoms of the infection include diarrhea, fever and stomach pain.

While the infection is self-limiting in healthier patients who will recover after one week, weaker ones may experience complications like hemolytic-uremic syndrome or severe infections that will require critical care.

The contagious bacteria can spread through contact of food with dirty hands from infected people.

"We urge anyone who is ill to seek medical care and to take steps to not spread the infection further. Meticulous hand washing by those who are sick is critical," said Dr. Sara Cody, health officer for the Santa Clara County.

Several people have since filed lawsuits against Mariscos after the incident. Patients who wish to do so are advised to get in touch with Attorney Bill Marler, who is in charge of representing this particular group of patients.

"The restaurant is strictly liable for having a defective product," Marler, who has represented Shigella afflicted patients before, said. While no one wants to see a business close, Marler said that Mariscos San Juan has a responsibility to the public.

"Hopefully this restaurant has sufficient insurance to deal with this," Marler said.

Since Shigella bacteria spread through fecal contamination, hand washing is critical in preventing further infection. Those who are infected, especially food handlers, are urged to skip work and to avoid handling food.

For interested parties, Marler can be contacted through this number: 1-866-770-2032.