Health Authorities Close Vancouver, WA Restaurant for Salmonella Oubtreak

By News Desk | October 10, 2012 Clark County Public Health announced that it is investigating at least 16 Salmonella cases among patrons of On the Border, a Mexican restaurant in Vancouver, WA. "Anyone who ate at the restaurant between Sept. 20 and Oct. 8 and is experiencing symptoms of salmonella should contact a health care provider," said CCPH. "Salmonella symptoms can include severe diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, fever, chills, abdominal discomfort and occasionally vomiting. The symptoms generally appear one to three days after exposure. Most people recover on their own without medication." "We closed the restaurant this morning as a further precaution to reduce the risk of Salmonella spreading to others," said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County Health Officer. "Our staff is interviewing employees and patrons to learn more about the possible source of the outbreak, such as a contaminated food source. We're also working with restaurant staff to make sure standard control measures are in place, such as sanitary surfaces and equipment, frequent hand-washing and proper food handling and storage. Restaurant staff has been very cooperative." To date, health authorities have confirmed 11 cases and identified 5 additional "probable cases" associated with this outbreak. "Although the risk of infection to the general public is low, Salmonella could spread if infected people don't wash their hands properly after using the bathroom," said CCPH. "People with salmonella should also stay home until their symptoms have disappeared." © Food Safety News More Headlines from Foodborne Illness Investigations » Tags: On the Border, Salmonella