Shigella outbreak traced to steakhouse

Public health officials are investigating an outbreak of Shigella infections traced to a restaurant in Illinois.

The LongHorn Steakhouse in Fairview Heights, IL, has been closed in relation to the outbreak. As of Oct. 3, there were 14 confirmed patients in the outbreak with six of them requiring hospitalization, according to St. Clair County health officials.

The patients started becoming ill after eating at the restaurant on Sept. 21 and 22. 

The outbreak investigation is ongoing and additional patients are possible. The county health department is working with the Illinois Department of Public Health on the investigation.

 Anyone who has eaten at the restaurant and become ill is asked to seek medical attention and tell their health care providers about their possible exposure to Shigella so that specific tests can be conducted.

About Shigella infections
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. 

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.

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