Three people with Salmonella poisoning ate at El Patron restaurant in Russellville, AL before they became ill, according to health officials at the Alabama Department of Public Health. Another nine cases are being investigated.
The three confirmed cases, one child and two adults, ate at the restaurant June 4 or June 5, health officials said. Symptoms of Salmonella poisoning include fever, vomiting, diarrhea that is sometimes bloody. If you ate some food from El Patron and have developed these symptoms, see a doctor and mention your possible exposure. In a small percentage of cases, a Salmonella infection can move from the digestive tract to the bloodstream causing severe, or life-threatening illness.
Commercial settings such as restaurants, delis, bakeries and catering facilities are associated with about 45 percent of Salmonella outbreaks. Food poisoning from Salmonella happens when people ingest food that is contaminated with microscopic amounts of fecal matter.
Salmonella bacteria live in the intestines of humans and other animals. Sometimes during slaughter, meat and poultry can become contaminated with Salmonella or other bacteria. Other times food becomes contaminated by someone who did not wash hands carefully after using the restroom and had contact with food.
As the investigation continues, assistant State Health Officer Dr. Karen Landers recommends that people reduce their risk of Salmonella poisoning by avoiding raw or undercooked eggs, poultry or other meats; thoroughly washing produce, and following safe food handling practices during food preparation. These practices include good hand washing and using separate plates and utensils for uncooked and cooked food.
