Updated February 10 A Shigella outbreak at Tamarind Tree restaurant in Seattle has sickened at least 32 people. Customers became ill after eating at the restaurant, located at 1036 S Jackson St., on January 14,15, 16, and 17, 2023.
Shigella and E. coli resemble each other genetically, cause similar symptoms, and are both spread through the fecal-oral route, meaning bacteria in an infected person’s stool are ingested. At restaurants, this can happen if food is prepared or served by someone with an infection who did wash hands carefully after using the restroom. Food can also become contaminated by an infected food handler before it reaches the restaurant. As of January, 30, the King County health department had not identified any ill employees.
Did you get a Shigella infection from Tamarind Tree restaurant?
County health investigators visited the restaurant and observed several food safety violations that could contribute to foodborne illness including bare-hand contact with ready-to-eat foods, blocked access to handwashing facilities, cross-contamination risk, and sub-standard maintenance and cleaning of equipment and kitchen areas.
During their visit on January 24, investigators closed the restaurant and required the staff to complete a thorough cleaning and disinfection before reopening. They also reviewed food safety measures including the requirement that staff members who are sick are not allowed to work until they are symptom-free for at least 48 hours.
Symptoms of a Shigella infection, called shigellosis, include fever, abdominal cramps, diarrhea that can be bloody, and the urge to have a bowel movement even when the bowels are empty. These symptoms usually develop within one to two days of exposure. In some cases, severe complications can occur including reactive arthritis, and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).
Free Shigella Lawsuit Consultation
If you contracted a Shigella infection and would like a free consultation with an experienced Shigella lawyer about a potential lawsuit, please contact the Pritzker Hageman Shigella Legal Team. You can reach us by calling 1-888-377-8900, sending a text to 612-261-0856, or by completing the form below. There is no obligation and we don’t get paid unless we win.