Seattle’s Tamarind Tree Restaurant Faces Disease Outbreak and Food Poisoning Concerns Following Shigella Incident

The most recent report from the local health department indicates that the number of individuals who have fallen ill due to an outbreak linked to a popular restaurant in Seattle has increased from 17 to 32. The affected individuals attended multiple meal parties at the Tamarind Tree Restaurant between January 14 and 17 and began experiencing symptoms of the illness between January 17 and 20.

Symptoms reported include cramps, diarrhea, fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting. Public Health Seattle & King County is investigating the outbreak of Shigellosis associated with the restaurant. On January 24, Environmental Health investigators visited the restaurant and noted various inappropriate food handlings practices, such as the blocking of handwashing facilities, improper storage of wiping cloths, and risk of cross-contamination, as per FoodSafetyNews.

Shigella Virus Outbreak

Additionally, there was a lack of maintenance, cleaning, and sanitizing of food equipment and physical facilities, which resulted in the restaurant's closure. During a routine inspection on January 18, Environmental Health investigators had previously observed several factors that could increase the likelihood of foodborne outbreaks, including bare-hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.

As a result of the observed violations during the inspection, the restaurant was mandated to undertake an extensive cleaning and disinfection process. Subsequently, on February 7, Environmental Health investigators returned to the restaurant to ensure that the cleaning and disinfection had been done appropriately. Following their confirmation, the restaurant was allowed to reopen on the same day.

As part of their inspection, investigators provided education to the restaurant regarding measures to prevent the transmission of gastrointestinal illnesses. These measures included the proper techniques for handwashing and avoiding direct contact with bare hands with ready-to-eat foods. Furthermore, investigators reviewed with the restaurant management the importance of employees with gastrointestinal illnesses refraining from working while ill and the requirement for individuals diagnosed with Shigella infections who handle food to receive clearance from Public Health before returning to work to ensure they are no longer contagious.

Shigella bacteria cause an infection called shigellosis. Shigella cause an estimated 450,000 infections in the United States each year and an estimated $93 million in direct medical costs. CDC

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What Is Shigella Virus?

Public Health has not detected any infected employees concerning the outbreak. However, as some individuals infected with Shigella may not display symptoms, Public Health collaborated with the restaurant to conduct testing for all employees. This was due to observing several risk factors that could potentially contribute to the transmission of Shigella. Presently, none of the employees have tested positive for Shigella. Shigella is a type of bacteria that causes an illness called shigellosis, a type of food poisoning. Shigella is highly contagious and is typically spread through the fecal-oral route, such as through contaminated food or water or contact with infected individuals.

Symptoms of shigellosis include diarrhea (which may be bloody), abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting. The infection can cause dehydration, seizures, and even death in severe cases. Shigellosis is usually treated with antibiotics and supportive care, such as hydration and rest. While shigellosis is usually not deadly, it can be serious, especially in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. The infection can lead to dehydration, seizures, and other complications in severe cases.

If left untreated, or if treatment is delayed, it can result in death. However, with prompt and appropriate medical care, most people with shigellosis recover fully without any long-term complications. It is important to note that the severity of the illness can vary depending on several factors, including the individual's overall health and the specific strain of the bacteria causing the infection, according to the CDC.