According to the Santa Clara County Public Health Department (SCCPHD) as of October 22, 2015, the number of reported cases linked to the Mariscos San Juan Shigella outbreak rose to 141 illnesses. One hundred eighteen of those sickened are Santa Clara County residents, and the remaining 23 victims reside in other counties. Of the 141 reported illnesses, 49 are now laboratory confirmed for Shigella infection, including 35 confirmed cases from Santa Clara County, and 14 confirmed cases from San Mateo County, Alameda County and Santa Cruz County.
Public Health Officials Search For The Outbreak Source
SCCPHD is working with the California Department of Public Health and public health officials from multiple counties to investigate the outbreak. Laboratory test results for all Mariscos San Juan restaurant #3 food handlers are expected next week.
The Mariscos San Juan restaurant #3 is located at 205 North 4th Street in San Jose. For now, the restaurant remains closed.
Shigella Food Poisoning
Shigella is a type of bacterium that can cause a gastrointestinal illness referred to as shigellosis, or Shigella food poisoning. Shigella is transmitted from person to person via fecal to oral contact (poop to mouth). The best defense against Shigella is good hygiene including thorough hand washing with soap and water. Persons with Shigella or food poisoning symptoms should not handle food and beverages for others. Childcare workers and healthcare providers should not work if they are experiencing symptoms.
Shigella Symptoms and Complications
Shigellosis symptoms may include watery diarrhea; blood, mucus, or pus in stool; fever; abdominal pain or cramping; nausea and vomiting; tenesmus (straining to have bowel movements); and malaise. Symptoms may appear within 8 hours to as late as 2 days after consuming Shigella contaminated food, water, or beverages. Some individuals who are infected may have no symptoms at all, yet they may still pass the bacteria to others.
Uncomplicated cases of shigellosis usually resolve in 5-7 days. While the illness is often mild, the elderly, young children, and immunocompromised may be more likely to develop severe complications including, rectal bleeding, mucosal ulceration, and/or diarrhea and dehydration. Shigella can be very serious and in rare cases the infection can be fatal.
Complications of shigellosis can also include Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), or Reiter’s Syndrome (reactive arthritis)
What You Can Do If You were Sickened In The Mariscos San Juan Shigella Outbreak
Santa Clara County Public Health Department Advice
The SCCPHD asks that “if you ate Mariscos San Juan restaurant #3 (205 N. 4th Street in San Jose) on Friday or Saturday, October 16th or 17th, 2015, and you had sudden onset of diarrhea and fever within 1-2 days after eating there, please seek medical attention so that you can be tested and, if your symptoms are severe, receive treatment.” Health officials also cautioned that people with diarrhea must not work, especially food service workers, healthcare providers, and childcare workers. Thorough, frequent hand washing is the best defense against infection and spreading the disease.
Diagnosis – A Stool Culture Can Confirm Shigella Food Poisoning
Shigella infection is diagnosed by a stool culture, a laboratory test that can detect the bacterium in the stool of an infected person. A stool culture can be ordered by your doctor if he or she thinks that it is appropriate.
Contact The Weinberg Law Firm For A Free Shigella Lawsuit Case Evaluation
If you have been diagnosed with Shigella food poisoning, are awaiting confirmation of infection, or have a question regarding your legal rights, you can request a free personal injury lawsuit case evaluation by calling The Weinberg Law Firm toll free at 1-877-934-6274. You can also contact us online by using the “Free Legal Case Evaluation Form” found on this page.
