October 21, 2015 — County health officials have shut down Mariscos San Jose, a popular Mexican food restaurant, after an outbreak of Shigella sickened at least 80 people and sent twelve to the intensive care unit (ICU).
Many victims had to be hospitalized and more cases are expected to be reported, according to a statement (PDF) from the Santa Clara County Public Health Department (SCCPHD).
The illnesses were reported on Friday and Saturday (October 16-17). On Sunday, health officials shut down the restaurant. They believe the source of the outbreak was an infected food-handler, but investigators are looking at all possible sources.
Health Director Sara Cody said the “garden variety” strain of Shigella responds to antibiotics, but “It’s very, very infectious. It doesn’t take much for this bacteria to spread.”
Anyone who ate at Mariscos San Jose and experienced sudden diarrhea within 1-2 days should seek emergency medical attention for diagnosis and treatment. Although most people recover within 4-7 days, the infection can spread to the bloodstream and cause deadly complications. It can take months for normal bowel habits to return.
Shigellosis is a highly-contagious gastrointestinal disease that is transmitted by the fecal-oral route. Even tiny amounts of the bacteria can cause severe food poisoning symptoms, including diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, and more.
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