The McDonalds restaurant in Bloomington, Illinois that closed because of a link to a Salmonella Stanley outbreak will reopen. The McLean County Health Department and Illinois Department of Public Health tested employees for the bacteria, and cleared them. All of the samples collected from environmental testing in the establishment were free of the bacteria.
The Health Departments are still investigating the source of the outbreak. They suspect that contamination came from an infected person rather than food containing the pathogen.
Twelve people who ate at several restaurants in central Illinois were sickened with the outbreak strain of the bacteria. The cases presented from October 18 to November 11, 2012. Not all of the confirmed cases are linked to that specific McDonalds restaurant. At this time, the investigation is focused on preventing spread of the illness.
McLean County Health Department Director Walt Howe said in a statement, “As we enter the holiday season, it’s important to remind people that if you’re sick, stay home to protect family, friends, or co-workers from becoming sick. Healthy individuals should wash their hands diligently and use a barrier, such as a napkin or a paper towel, to turn off faucets or open doors in public facilities.”
Symptoms of Salmonella infection include fever, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting.Salmonella Stanley can produce bloody diarrhea. If you are experiencing these symptoms, please see your health care provider immediately. She should report the illness to the MCHD Communicable Disease division at 309-888-5435.
