After 77 Person Salmonella Outbreak, WA Restaurant Allowed to Reopen

By News Desk | October 15, 2012 Clark County Public Health allowed On the Border, a Mexican restaurant in Vancouver, WA,  to reopen Sunday after temporarily closing it amid a Salmonella outbreak that may include 77 illnesses. Officials closed the restaurant Oct. 9. "We believe there is no longer a risk of salmonella transmission to the public," said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County Health Officer. "All restaurant surfaces and equipment have been inspected, cleaned and sanitized, and all potentially contaminated foods have been removed. All restaurant employees have been tested for Salmonella and those free of infection have been cleared to return to work. This has been a challenging time for everyone involved, especially those who became ill. We appreciate the cooperation of restaurant staff and management through this process and are pleased that the restaurant can now reopen." The health department said that as of mid-Sunday, there were 23 confirmed and 54 probable cases of salmonella linked to the outbreak, which was caused by Salmonella Virchow. Of the four victims  who were hospitalized, three have been released.  Health officials said they have not determined the source of the outbreak. CCPH is reminding consumers that Salmonella symptoms can include diarrhea (sometimes bloody), fever, chills, abdominal discomfort and vomiting. The symptoms generally appear one to three days after exposure. Most people recover on their own without medication. Those concerned they may have a serious foodborne illness should contact their health care provider. © Food Safety News More Headlines from Foodborne Illness Outbreaks » Tags: On the Border, Salmonella outbreak, Salmonella Virchow, salmonellosis