The Clark County Public Health department has lifted the closure order for On the Border restaurant located at 1505 SE 164th Avenue in Vancouver, Washington. The restaurant was closed on October 9, 2012 after reports of salmonellosis among patrons. As of October 14, 2012, there have been 23 confirmed and 54 probable cases of Salmonella food poisoning linked to this outbreak. Four people have been hospitalized and three have been released.
Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County Health Officer said, “we believe there is no longer a risk of Salmonella transmission to the public. All restaurant surfaces and equipment have been inspected, cleaned, and sanitized, and all potentially contaminated foods have been removed. All restaurant employees have been tested for Salmonella and those free of infection have been cleared to return to work.” A source of the outbreak has not yet been identified.
Salmonella is a common type of bacteria that causes food poisoning. Symptoms, which appear 12 to 72 hours after exposure, include diarrhea, which may be bloody, fever, chills, abdominal cramps, and vomiting. Those who are ill with the bacteria can pass it on to others. If you ate at that restaurant and have been ill, see your healthcare provider immediately. Long term complications of the infection can be severe.
