Salmonella Outbreak at Aladdin Café Sends 5 to Hospital, Affects 14 with 36% Hospitalization Rate

San Diego County currently tracks 14 confirmed salmonellosis cases linked to Aladdin Mediterranean Café on Clairemont Mesa Boulevard (“salmonella outbreak Clairemont”). The outbreak has caused five hospitalizations among diners aged 18–79 who ate at the restaurant April 25–26, 2025.

County Public Health Services (PHS) and Environmental Health & Quality (EHQ) confirmed the cluster April 28 and quickly launched an investigation. The restaurant voluntarily closed April 29, posting a notice about a “water heater issue.”

“I wish they’d be honest,” said the daughter of one 79-year-old patron hospitalized for three days at Scripps after consuming chicken (“Aladdin Mediterranean foodborne illness”). Her companions who avoided chicken remained symptom-free, suggesting a possible contamination vector.

Food safety inspectors currently collect environmental samples from food-contact surfaces, utensils, hand-washing stations, and water sources. Staff interviews gather data on food handling practices, symptom history, and health status. Lab technicians perform Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) (“PFGE pathogen identification”) or whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to identify the precise Salmonella serotype and establish genetic links between cases.

The investigation focuses on potential high-risk foods like poultry dishes and cold-prep items where cross-contamination could occur (“cross-contamination prevention”). The 36% hospitalization rate in this outbreak significantly exceeds the 12% national average for nontyphoidal Salmonella.

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Salmonellosis typically develops 12–72 hours post-exposure (though can range 6 hours to 6 days), causing nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea (sometimes bloody or mucoid), and fever. Most patients recover within 4–7 days without antibiotics, but severe infections can require hospitalization. Children under 5, adults over 65, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals face highest risk for complications.

San Diego County reports 184 total salmonellosis cases in 2025 to date, compared with 753 in 2024 and 685 in 2023. Nationally, CDC data shows approximately 1.35 million nontyphoidal Salmonella infections annually with about 12,500 hospitalizations (“nontyphoidal Salmonella symptoms”). Growing concern about antimicrobial resistance foodborne pathogens complicates treatment options in severe cases.

The CDC’s foodborne illness prevention framework emphasizes four critical steps: Clean (wash hands/surfaces frequently), Separate (prevent cross-contamination), Cook (proper temperatures), and Chill (prompt refrigeration).

San Diego residents can access restaurant inspection records through the County Food Info portal (“restaurant inspection scores”). Establishments receive A (90–100%), B (80–89%), or C (< 80%) grades under California Retail Food Code standards.

Aladdin Mediterranean Café remains closed pending completion of the investigation and clearance from health officials. Those experiencing symptoms after dining at the restaurant should contact healthcare providers and mention potential Salmonella exposure.