Restaurant Food Lands 12 People in Intensive Care

Written By BEA KARNES (Patch Staff) 

Are you familiar with Shigellosis? It’s is a diarrheal disease caused by a group of bacteria called Shigella.

The Santa Clara County Public Health Department reports that since Saturday, Oct. 17, more than 40 people have become seriously ill with fever, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Most have required hospital care, with 12 people being admitted to intensive care.

The health department fears this could be the tip of the iceburg. According to Santa Clara County Communicable Disease Controller and Deputy Health Officer Dr. George Han, “We are asking physicians and other healthcare providers to test and report any suspected cases to the public health department.”

“We urge anyone who is ill to seek medical care and to take steps to not spread the infection further. Meticulous hand washing by those who are sick is critical,” said Dr. Sara Cody, Santa Clara County Health Officer and Public Health Director. “Our thoughts are with those who are sick as we work to prevent any further illnesses.”

All of the infected people at Mariscos San Juan restaurant #3, at 205 N. 4th St. in San Jose on Friday or Saturday. The restaurant was closed by the health department on Sunday.

Health inspectors suspect an infected food handler transmitted the bacteria.

“Our top priority is to protect the public from any further illnesses and to identify the source of the contamination,” said Jim Blamey, Director of the Department of Environmental Health (DEH), “Our specialists have inspected all cooking and safety processes at the restaurant, and are working with the owner and staff to educate them on safe food handling practices.”

According to the health department, “Symptoms of shigellosis typically start within 1–2 days after exposure and include: diarrhea (sometimes bloody), fever, abdominal pain, tenesmus (a painful sensation of needing to pass stools even when bowels are empty), and vomiting. It is spread by eating or drinking something that has come into contact with stool of a person infected with Shigella. For example, food may become contaminated if it has been prepared by an infected food handler; water may be contaminated by infected fecal matter; or hands can be contaminated while changing the diaper of an infected child or caring for an infected person.”

Symptoms typically last 5 to 7 days, but it may take several months before bowel habits return to normal.

Shigellosis can be fatal. It’s important to make sure that victims don’t go into shock because of loss of hydration in the body.