Friday, Oklahoma health officials announced that they were searching for the source of a rare subtype of the E. Coli bacteria that has, until now, killed one person and sickened 116 others, of whom approximately 50 have been hospitalized.

Moreover, it has been reported that 9 people, of whom 6 are children, have been placed on dialysis due to kidney failure.

Leslea Bennett-Webb, director of communication for the Oklahoma State Department of Health, stated that, although the cause for the outbreak was still unknown, the Department had narrowed its focus to the Country Cottage Restaurant located in Locust Grove. Between August 15 and August 23, most of the people who got sick ate there, she added.

Tests have been carried out on water taken from the property’s well and, though they indicated that bacteria was present, the type has not yet been confirmed.

Most E. Coli subtypes are harmless, while others can cause diarrhea, vomiting, severe abdominal cramping, urinary tract infections, respiratory illness and pneumonia.

Chad Ingle, 26, died Sunday, only a week after having eaten at the Country Cottage Restaurant and, even though the number of people who are becoming ill is decreasing, State Epidemiologist Dr. Kristy Bradley says that there are many challenges to be faced with the patients who still remain hospitalized. Moreover, in order to keep the outbreak on a downward curve, she urges people to be extra careful in their hand washing and food preparation.

Normally, test results take 48 to 72 hours, but since today is Labor Day, the Oklahoma State Department of Health stated that it might be only Tuesday that the testing will resume.