Seven previously reported cases of E. coli O157:H7 in Stephens County, GA have become 11, and 10 of those reported eating at the BBQ Shack in Toccoa over the weekend of May 2-4, local health officials say. Georgia District 2 Public Health spokesman Dave Palmer said 10 of the victims are residents of the Peach State, while the 11th is from South Carolina, according to AccessNorthGa.com. Announced on May 16, the outbreak involved illness onsets that ran from May 4 to 8. Of the 11 who were sickened, 7 required hospitalization and 5 of those people developed Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), a complication of E. coli infection, Palmer said. The Georgia Department of Health (GDPH), North Health District 2, and the Stephens County Health Department are cooperating in the continuing investigation. The agencies have not detected any cases that began after May 8. While the victims shared dining experiences at the BBQ Shack, the precise source of the bacteria has not been pinpointed. Palmer says the restaurant is “working closely” with the investigation. “Epidemiologic, environmental, and laboratory investigations are ongoing. Investigation includes conducting surveillance for any new cases and interviewing case patients and community members. The exact source of infection has not yet been identified,” he said. The incubation period for the E. coli bacteria is usually two to three days to a week after exposure. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhea – sometimes bloody. Anyone experiencing symptoms should seek immediate medical attention and, in the meantime, drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.