People who dined between Feb. 13 and 21 at the Rediviva restaurant in downtown Aberdeen, WA, are among 19 Grays Harbor residents who have since tested positive for Campylobacter jejuni, a foodborne illness.
The Rediviva has been closed since a Feb. 26 Environmental Health inspection that found more than 75 “red-point” violations, which were an immediate threat to public health.
Aberdeen is located in Grays Harbor County on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. With a population of less than 20,000, the Pacific coast city is best known as the “Birthplace of Grunge” because it was the hometown of Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain and Krist Novoselic.
The Grays Harbor County Environmental Health Division continues to investigate the Campylobacter outbreak, which has required the hospitalization of one victim. The illnesses are being associated with Rediviva’s Valentine’s Day dinner menu, which was served between Feb. 13 and Feb. 21, 2020.
The first positive test for Campylobacter was recorded on Feb. 14 from a Rediviva diner.
Campylobacter causes severe and sometimes bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, body aches, fever, and vomiting. The consumption of raw and undercooked poultry is often the source of campylobacter illnesses.
Chicken liver mousse served by Rediviva is believed to be the likely cause of the Aberdeen campylobacter outbreak, according to Environmental Health officials Several of the diners continue to exhibit symptoms of the illness.
The Rediviva remains closed but is said to be cooperating with the outbreak investigation.
Campylobacter in poultry is killed by internal temperatures of at least 165 degrees.
Grays Harbor’s Environmental Health unit is working with the Washington State Department of Health and other local health partners in the ongoing investigation.
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