County health officials in Los Angeles say the number of patients in a Salmonella outbreak traced to a Mexican restaurant in Valencia continues to increase.
According to the Los Angeles County Public Health Department, 45 people have been confirmed in the outbreak as of Oct. 2. That is up from 31 cases reported on Sept. 24.
People who dined at Madre Oaxacan Restaurant & Mezcaleria on or around Sept. 13 began reporting symptoms of food poisoning. Public Health was alerted to the situation on Sept. 17. only four sick people were initially reported.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health temporarily closed the restaurant. The outbreak investigation is ongoing.
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.
Owner Ivan Vásquez told the Los Angeles Times that nine of the restaurant’s 52 employees — including three cooks, a prep cook, and a dishwasher — tested positive for Salmonella.
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 severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.
Some people become infected without showing any symptoms. However, they may still spread the infection to others.
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