On the plus side, the outbreak doesn't seem to have spread beyond a few dozen people.
But nearly two weeks after staff and residents at San Diego's newest homeless encampment came down with diarrhea, public health investigators are wrapping up their investigation in Ohlot without clear answers.
“As the pathogen has not been identified, we cannot establish an outbreak definition,” San Diego County spokesman Tim McClain wrote in an email.
In other words, the cause remains a mystery.
McClain reiterated that the most likely culprit was someone distributing something they had to others, not spoiled food.
Starting next week, the city suspended its contract with catering company Rowe Solutions out of “an abundance of caution,” according to City of San Diego spokesman Matt Hoffman. They say they plan to resume cooperation.
Frank Rowe, the organization's founder and CEO, said he has never been charged with a health violation.
McClain said the symptoms began on January 15 and lasted about five days. Approximately 30 residents and five staff members were affected, one more than previously known.
Officials said the numbers did not increase after stool sample tests were distributed. Additionally, the symptoms did not appear to be due to COVID-19.
No one was hospitalized, Hoffman said, and Dreams for Change, one of the nonprofit organizations responsible, reported to the city that everyone had recovered.
O Lot is also operated by the Downtown San Diego Partnership. The site opened in October and recently hosted about 370 residents in hundreds of two-person tents.
McClain added that no outbreaks have been confirmed at other campgrounds in the city by 20th and B Streets.
McClain said COVID-19 testing will continue to be “readily available” at the facility.
San Diego is investing heavily in legal camping as it struggles with a shortage of shelter beds and homelessness.
