Health officials said the E.coli that killed one man and sickened dozens was a rare and virulent form of E.coli. The E.coli bacterium was blamed for the death of a man and the hospitalization of at least 41 others. Patients are reporting symptoms of food poisoning along with a very severe and bloody form of diarrhea.

A restaurant suspected of causing an E. coli outbreak has officially been linked to the case, according to the state health department. Many who became sick ate at the Country Cottage restaurant located in Locust Grove. The restaurant, which opened 22 years ago, has been closed while the investigation continues.

Esterichia coli is a common bacteria found in the human digestive tract. Some strains, such as the E.coli O157:H7 strain can cause bad stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, sometimes with blood in it. In some cases, it can cause life threatening problems. Children, the elderly and people with weak immune systems are more exposed to the disease. The negative health effects of E. coli can remain for months and years later.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are testing Oklahoma samples to determine what type of E. coli this pathogen is.

Outbreaks have been associated with undercooked ground beef (used for hamburgers), vegetables grown in cow manure or washed in contaminated water.

Earlier this month a California food company decided to recall 153,630 pounds of frozen ground beef after health officials said they found beef tainted with E. coli at a Boy Scout Camp in Goshen, Va.

State health officials are continuing the investigation to determine the exact cause of the outbreak.