An E.coli outbreak in New Jersey could possibly be linked to several Panera Bread restaurants.

The New Jersey Department of Health cannot confirm where the outbreak originated from, but the department says that it is possibly associated with a local chain restaurant.

At least eight people were hospitalized after they became ill. Five of those people have been discharged from the hospital, according to the health department.

Health officials say that they are taking food histories from the people who got sick in order to better determine where the outbreak started. 

The department is also waiting for the results of lab tests to determine what strain of E.coli is making people sick. Officials say that there are many strains. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will conduct its own set of tests to confirm the strain.

The CDC says that symptoms can start up to four days after eating tainted food. Symptoms of E.coli illness include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting. Some people may also develop a mild fever.

Health officials say that anyone who has gotten ill after eating should see a health care professional.

The health department says that it can be difficult to determine where the outbreak originated because people could have eaten a number of meals in a number of places before becoming sick.

The people who became sick in this latest incident were located in Hunterdon, Middlesex, Somerset and Warren counties.