Fairview Heights LongHorn Steakhouse sickens 14 with Shigella

The St. Clair County Health Department is investigating the cause of a cluster of Shigella illnesses primarily among customers of the LongHorn Steakhouse located at 6115 North Illinois Street, Fairview Heights, Illinois, impacting individuals residing in multiple jurisdictions. Restaurant representatives have been cooperating with health department officials. It has been determined that some of the illnesses were caused by Shigellosis, an infectious disease caused by a group of bacteria called Shigella. The investigation is ongoing, and the health department is working closely with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) toward control and prevention of disease transmission.

As of the afternoon of October 2, 2024, the health department has received 14 Shigella reports from people testing positive. Twelve (12) of the positive individuals dined at the LongHorn establishment between September 21st and 22nd, 2024. Six (6) cases have been hospitalized.

Shigella infection causes fever and diarrhea, which may become bloody. These symptoms occur one to two days after coming in contact with the bacteria. Symptoms typically last 5 to 7 days, but some people may experience symptoms anywhere from a few days to 4 or more weeks. People with diarrhea should contact their doctor if they have fever, bloody or prolonged diarrhea, severe stomach cramping or dehydration. Shigella cases should quickly be reported to the local health department by health care providers and laboratories. Health care providers in the area should consider the diagnosis of Shigella infection in persons with compatible symptoms.

Disease transmission occurs when Shigella bacteria pass from one infected person to the next. Shigella infections also may be acquired from eating contaminated food. The bacteria are present in the diarrheal stools of infected persons while they are sick and for a few weeks afterwards. Most infections occur when the germ passes from the stool or soiled fingers of one person to the mouth of another person.

The spread of Shigella from an infected person to other persons can be stopped by careful hand washing with soap and water, particularly after using the restroom. Frequent, supervised hand washing of all children should be followed in homes with young children (including children in diapers). When possible, young children with a Shigella infection who are still in diapers should not be in contact with uninfected children. People who have shigellosis should not prepare food or beverages to be consumed by others until they have been shown to no longer be carrying the Shigella bacterium.

If you or a family member have eaten at the LongHorn Steakhouse located at 6115 North Illinois Street, Fairview Heights, Illinois from September 21st to present and developed diarrheal illness within 12 hours to four days after eating, please consult with your physician.

Shigella:  Marler Clark, The Food Safety Law Firm, is the nation’s leading law firm representing victims of Shigella outbreaks. The Shigella lawyers of Marler Clark have represented thousands of victims of Shigella and other foodborne illness outbreaks and have recovered over $850 million for clients.  Marler Clark is the only law firm in the nation with a practice focused exclusively on foodborne illness litigation.  Our Shigella lawyers have litigated Shigella cases stemming from outbreaks traced to a variety of sources, such as tomatoes, airplane and restaurant food.  

If you or a family member became ill with a Shigella infection after consuming food and you’re interested in pursuing a legal claim, contact the Marler Clark Shigella attorneys for a free case evaluation.

Additional Resources:

• About-Shigella.com is a comprehensive site with in-depth information about Shigella bacteria and Shigella infection.
• Shigella Blog provides up-to-date news related to Shigella outbreaks, research, and more.

Republished with permission from Bill Marler and Marler Clark. Copyright (c) Marler Clark LLP, PS. All rights reserved.