Oregon Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Mexican Restaurant

PRLog (Press Release) - Jun 08, 2010 -
Public health officials are still investigating to determine if the restaurant is in fact the source of the recent illnesses.

William Keene, senior epidemiologist of the state Public Health Division, stated that while lab tests have confirmed seven cases of salmonella thus far, there are most likely dozens more.  All of those individuals who have been confirmed to have the salmonella infection appeared to have eaten at the restaurant between April 9 and April 17.  Recently, the restaurant was inspected by officials and was given a passing score of 88, with one critical violation.

According to Keene, the investigation is in the early stages and there is no indication as to what caused the outbreak.  Dawnelle Marshall, public health director in Douglas County, said that Los Dos Amigos is cooperating with health officials to determine the source of the salmonella bacteria.

Persons who have eaten at the restaurant during the time period specified above and develop diarrhea or other symptoms of salmonella food poisoning (http://www.brownchiari.com/AreasOfPractice/FoodPoisoningL...) should contact the Douglas County health authorities at 541-440-3684.  Additional symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, possible vomiting and fever.

Update - As of May 4, 17 individuals have confirmed testing positive for salmonella (http://www.esalmonellafoodpoisoning.com/) infection.  A few have become dehydrated and required intravenous fluids, but most did not have to be admitted to the hospital.   As investigations continue, there are no specific food items that appear to be the likely source.  Those who have been sickened after eating at the restaurant are being interviewed in efforts to determine what those people ate, so that perhaps they can determine where the problem started.

According to Marshall, employees at the restaurant are sharing information as to how food is processed and prepared.

Salmonella food poisoning usually produces only mild symptoms that last for a few day.  Those at risk of developing serious complications include the elderly, young children and individuals with compromised immune systems.  If you develop symptoms of salmonella infection, see your doctor at once.