An outbreak of food poisoning at Pasha’s Mediterranean Grill in San Antonio, Texas has been reported by the San Antonio Metro Health Department. The press release states that “numerous, independent companies of foodborne illness [have been] reported by individuals who have dined at Pasha’s Mediterranean Grill on Wurzbach Road during the past Labor Day weekend.
UPDATE 9/8/18: News reports are stating that 255 people are sick in this outbreak, and that twelve people have been hospitalized. There is no update on this outbreak at the San Antonio Metropolitan Health Department website. News reports are also stating that the outbreak was caused by Salmonella bacteria.
More than 60 people reported symptoms of nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea as of September 5, 2018. But, the press release states that “symptoms may differ among th4e different types of foodborne diseases.” Officials are encouraging anyone who recently ate at that restaurant and has been sick to see a doctor as soon as possible.
There are many possible pathogens that can cause these symptoms. They include norovirus, Salmonella, Clostridium perfringens, and E. coli. The release did not say how soon symptoms appeared after eating at Pasha’s Mediterranean Grill, which could narrow down the suspected pathogen. Officials also did not give a patient age range, or illness onset dates.
Officials say that the restaurant is cooperating fully in this investigation. Mertro Health staff is working with the restaurant to make sure that all precautions are being taken to prevent any more illness. To report a case to public health officials, call Metro Health at 210-207-8876.
The restaurant received a score of 78 during an inspection on May 29, 2018. Some of the violations noted during that inspection were food not stored in food grade containers, the hand washing sink used for purposes other than hand washing, walls with an accumulation of black residue, and air vents with an accumulation of dust.
The press release states that the best way to prevent foodborne illness is to practice proper hand-washing. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the bathroom, before eating, before preparing food, and when caring for someone who is ill.
