Los Angeles health officials say the number of patients in a Salmonella outbreak traced to a Mexican restaurant in Valencia continues to rise.
As of Oct. 2, 45 people have been confirmed in the outbreak, according to the Los Angeles County Public Health Department. That is an increase from the 31 cases reported on September 24.
People who dined at Madre Oaxacan Restaurant & Mezcaleria on or around September 13 began reporting symptoms of food poisoning. Public Health was informed of the situation on September 17. Initially, only four sick people were reported.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has temporarily closed the restaurant. The investigation into the outbreak is still ongoing.
As part of the investigation, Public Health sent out a survey asking those who dined at the restaurant to complete it to “determine the nature and extent of this incident.” The research can be found at tinyurl.com/2p9zvahsand any questions can be directed to the Food Safety Unit in the Acute Communicable Disease Control Unit at 213-240-7941.
Owner Ivan Vásquez told the Los Angeles Times that nine of the restaurant’s 52 employees — including three cooks, a prep cook and a dishwasher — tested positive for Salmonella.
About Salmonella infections
Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria usually does not look, smell or taste spoiled. Anyone can become ill from a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile.
Anyone who has eaten at Madre Oaxacan Restaurant & Mezcaleria and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctor about possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria, because special tests are needed to diagnose salmonellosis. Symptoms of Salmonella infection can mimic other diseases, often leading to misdiagnosis.
Symptoms of a Salmonella infection may include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours of eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. However, in some cases, the diarrhea can be so severe that patients require hospitalization.
Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop serious illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.
Some people become infected without showing symptoms. However, they can still spread the infection to others.
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