A Salmonella outbreak has sickened five people who ate at Pho Tam restaurant in Boise, according to the Idaho Statesman. The owners of the Vietnamese restaurant, on North Orchard Street, told the Statesman they aren’t sure happened.
Health inspectors have not yet determined the source of the outbreak. The restaurant voluntarily closed for two days to conduct a thorough cleaning but continues to operate during the investigation.
Salmonellosis is an infection that develops when food or beverages contaminated with fecal matter containing Salmonella bacteria is ingested. Symptoms, which include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever, usually appear within six to 72 hours of exposure and last up to a week. In some cases, the diarrhea may be so severe that hospitalization is required. These patients can develop a more serious, sometimes fatal infection that spreads from the intestines to the blood stream.
Those most at risk for Salmonella infection are young children, seniors, pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems.
