Public health officials continue to investigate an outbreak of Shigella infections traced to an Illinois restaurant. The number of patients has risen to 24, with another 44 people reporting symptoms.
The St. Clair County Health Department reports that nine of the patients required hospitalization because their symptoms were severe.
The outbreak has been traced to the Longhorn Steakhouse in Fairview, Illinois.
Sick people ate in the restaurant between September 20 and 30. After exposure to Shigella bacteria, it may take some time for symptoms of infection to develop. Confirmatory testing further delays the addition of patients to the total count.
Patients in the outbreak range in age from 12 to 80 years old, according to the health department.
The restaurant was temporarily closed for cleaning and disinfection after the outbreak was discovered. The local health department conducted environmental assessments of the restaurant and provided corrective action and guidance in consultation with the state health department.
The local health department continues to receive test results from customers and restaurant staff. Restaurant workers must have two negative results for Shigella infection at least 24 hours apart before being released to return to work in the establishment. The department has alerted doctors in the region about the outbreak and issued guidance for patients showing symptoms similar to Shigellosis.
Symptoms of Shigella infection or Shigellosis usually begin one to two days after infection and last for seven days. Shigella spreads easily; ingesting just a small amount of Shigella germs can cause serious illness. Shigella bacteria are found in feces, so anything contaminated by fecal matter in even microscopic amounts, including if hands are not properly or thoroughly cleaned, can potentially spread the infection. Shigella can spread from one person to another or through contaminated water, food, surfaces, or objects.
Routinely cleaning and sanitizing utensils, countertops and surfaces before food preparation can reduce the risk of germs. According to the health department, good hygiene practices are just as important regardless of whether food is being prepared.
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