SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. -- A Lake Stevens restaurant is likely the source of an E. coli illness that sickened 13 Snohomish County residents, said Suzanne Pate of the Snohomish Health District.

Out of 17 total cases, interviews with 13 of them concluded that the Ixtapa restaurant at 303 91St. Ave. NE in Lake Stevens was probably the exposure site, Pate said.

One case has not yet been interviewed, and three other ill people did not eat at the restaurant, Pate said.

The restaurant owner voluntarily closed the restaurant at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday after investigators reported their findings. He said he would work with the Snohomish Health District to resolve potential food safety issues, Pate said.

Judith Roed said she eats at the restaurant at least once a week.

“I like the people there, I like the food and I’m very surprised that there’s a problem,” Roed said.

The E. coli cases began to emerge last week with the onset of the illness occurring between Oct. 7 and Oct. 17. Those 13 cases that are linked to the restaurant ate their meals between Oct. 2 and Oct. 13, and they range in age between 9 and 75 years old.

Two people were hospitalized briefly, but both now are recovering at home.

There have been no new cases reported as of noon Tuesday, Pate said.

Investigators are still working on what exactly contained the E. coli bacteria.

The Snohomish Health District said symptoms of E. coli include bloody diarrhea and stomach cramping with little or no fever. People who experience these symptoms should contact their health care provider.

Some people could develop a more serious condition that could cause kidney failure or even death. Young children and the elderly are at increased risk of these complications. You can take simple steps to reduce the risk of E. coli infection:

1. Wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and warm water after using the bathroom or changing diapers. Make sure children also wash their hands well.
2. Wash hands well before and after preparing food, especially after handling raw meat.
3. Wash hands thoroughly after handling animals or pets and their waste.
4. Cook all meat, especially ground beef, thoroughly. Cook ground beef to 155 degrees. Make certain that cooked meat is gray or brown (not pink).
5. Clean all utensils and surfaces after contact with raw meat.
6. Use only pasteurized milk and milk products.
7. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating.
8. Keep infected children away from other children and the elderly.
9. Do not drink untreated water.

For general information about E. coli, go to the CDC’s Web site.