E. Coli Outbreak; 8 Taco Bells Closed

UPDATE: Officials say 29 People Being Treated For E. Coli Symptoms; 18 Test Positive For Bacteria Across State

Two more Taco Bell restaurants were closed on Long Island for cleaning on Wednesday amid an outbreak of E. coli bacteria that may have sickened more than three dozen people in Nassau and Suffolk counties and dozens elsewhere around the country.

Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi said at a late-afternoon press conference that officials have confirmed three E. Coli cases and were investigating an additional 26 cases of people showing symptoms. In Suffolk County, officials reported one confirmed case on Wednesday, bringing its total to 12. Three other potential cases were being investigated across New York state.

Three patients in Nassau County remained hospitalized; at least one remained hospitalized in Suffolk.

Officials say in total, now 18 people have tested positive in New York state for the bacteria. Single cases were confirmed in Clinton, Oneida, and Otsego counties.

Taco Bell has ordered scallions removed from its 5,800 U.S. restaurants after tests suggested they may be responsible for the outbreak.

Breaking News from WCBS-TV, New York:

At least 14 people in two counties on Long Island have been affected by the recent E. coli outbreak that was first reported in central New Jersey. Officials say three people in Nassau County and 11 people in Suffolk County are being treated in the outbreak, though there is no confirmation yet as to whether the outbreak in New Jersey and the one in New York are related.

Eight Taco Bell restaurants on Long Island have temporarily shut down as part of the investigation -- four from each county. The restaurants closed voluntarily after their respective counties asked them to do so.

The four restaurants shut down in Nassau County include: 1 Broadway Mall, Hicksville; Penninsula Blvd, Hempstead; Front St, East Meadow; Roosevelt Field Mall.

CBS 2 has learned an 11-year-old boy ate at both the East Meadow and Hempstead locations and has been in the hospital for a week. According to the Nassau County Health Commissioner, none of the Nassau cases have been linked to the fatal 0157 strain, but the tests are still early.

The four Taco Bell restaurants temporarily shut down in Suffolk County include: Taco Bell at 174 Medford Ave in Patchogue; 1937 Deer Park Ave, Deer Park; 4349 Nesconset Hwy, Port Jefferson Station; 185 Old Country Rd, Riverhead.

Officials are still investigating the food distribution to see if that is the common thread, and Dr. David Graham, acting commisioner of the Suffolk Co. Health Services, says nine of the cases from that county have eaten at a Taco Bell restaurant recently.

read the whole story and watch video updates at WCBS-TV.