The Cortland County Health Department has announced a Wild Ginger restaurant Campylobacter outbreak that has sickened seven people (it may be eight), according to news reports. Those sickened ate at that restaurant between October 18 and October 31, 2019. The Asian Fusion restaurant is located at 47 Main Street in Cortland, New York.
All seven patients have lab confirmed infections. The testing is continuing, so there may be more illnesses announced. The Health Department has alerted health care providers in the area to be on the lookout for patients presenting with the symptoms of campylobacteriosis.
Those symptoms include fever, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea that may be bloody. Most people recover on their own after this infection, but some, especially people with compromised immune systems and those undergoing chemotherapy, may need medical treatment or even hospitalization. There is no word on whether or not any of the patients have been hospitalized.
Campylobacter infections are not rare, but outbreaks are. One of the issues with this pathogen is that it can cause serious complications, including Guillian Barré Syndrome, which can lead to paralysis, and reactive arthritis. This pathogen is usually not spread person-to-person.
This pathogen is most commonly associated with improperly prepared poultry. Cross-contamination between foods that are uncooked and raw poultry is another venue of transmission. However, we don’t know what foods the health department is investigating.
You can contact food safety lawyer Fred Pritzker for help by calling 1-888-377-8900 or 612-338-0202.
Food safety attorney Fred Pritzker, who has represented many clients sickened by Campylobacter food poisoning, said, “All restaurants are legally obligated to serve food that will not make people sick. No one should get sick because they went out to a restaurant for lunch or dinner.”
Meanwhile, Wild Ginger has closed for a complete cleaning and sanitation. It will be inspected by public health officials before it can open again.
If you ate at this restaurant and have been ill with the symptoms of campylobacteriosis, contact your doctor. You may be part of this Wild Ginger restaurant Campylobacter outbreak.
