The outbreak of Salmonella Virchow linked to the On the Border Mexican restaurant in Vancouver Washington grew to include 113 patients today. Eight people have been hospitalized; seven have been released, according to the Clark County Heath Department.
The restaurant was closed on October 9, 2012 after reports of illness among customers. It was reopened on October 15, 2012 after a thorough cleaning and sanitizing. All employees were tested for Salmonella. Public health officials have not been able to identify the source of the outbreak, despite days of investigation.
Attorney Fred Pritzker, who has won lawsuits for clients who have been sickened in foodborne illness outbreaks, said, “going out to eat should not result in an illness or hospitalization. Restaurant food poisoning outbreaks can be prevented.” This strain of Salmonella is quite rare; the only illnesses caused by Salmonella Virchow in the United States are linked to the On the Border restaurant outbreak.
The symptoms of Salmonella food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, chills, headache, muscle pains, and blood in the stool. Complications of this infection can be serious, including dehydration, bacteremia, colitis, and reactive arthritis. Long term follow-up care is usually necessary after salmonellosis. If you ate at this restaurant and experienced these symptoms, see your healthcare provider immediately.
