Sick people quadruple in outbreak traced to Mexican restaurant

County officials are now reporting that at least 16 people have become infected with Salmonella after eating at a Mexican restaurant in Valencia, CA.

People who dined at Madre Oaxacan Restaurant & Mezcaleria late this past week began reporting symptoms of food poisoning, and Public Health was alerted to the situation on Tuesday, Sept. 17. Initially only four sick people were reported.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health temporarily closed the restaurant, which could be reopened on Sept. 23.    

According to Public Health’s media relations division, the department began receiving reports of “gastrointestinal symptoms.” 

“On Tuesday, Sept. 17, the Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Division, received several reports of people experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms after consuming food at Madre Oaxacan Restaurant located at 27007 McBean Parkway, Valencia,” reads a statement from Becky Schlikerman, director of external communications for Public Health. “The department’s Outbreak Investigation and Evaluation Unit is investigating.” 

As part of the investigation, Public Health sent out a survey asking those who dined at the restaurant to fill it out to “determine the nature and extent of this incident.” The survey can be found at tinyurl.com/2p9zvahs and any questions can be directed to the food safety unit at the acute communicable disease control division at 213-240-7941. 

According to Patrick Moody, spokesman for Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, an urgent care physician said there was a noticeable uptick on Friday and Saturday in the number of people reporting stomach pain. He said 14 percent of patients those two days were complaining of symptoms related to food poisoning, while the average is closer to 9 percent. 

Public Health last inspected the restaurant in March and gave it a score of 92, earning it an “A” rating, though with a couple of violations. 

The report stated that pico de gallo, queso fresco, tamales and chile relleno were observed being stored in an inoperable cooler and were measured as being above the approved temperature of 41 degrees. Shellfish was also observed to be maintained in an unsafe manner. 

None of the outstanding violations were observed in a follow-up inspection in April.

About Salmonella infections

Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile.

Anyone who has eaten at the Madre Oaxacan Restaurant & Mezcaleria and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea may be so severe that patients require hospitalization.

Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop a severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.

Some people get infected without getting sick or showing any symptoms. However, they may still spread the infections to others.

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Source: https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2024/09/sick-people-quadruple-in-outbreak-traced-to-mexican-restaurant/