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King County Public Health shut down a Bellevue IHOP location for the second time this year. So far, six people have become sick. At least two have experienced illnesses serious enough to require hospitalization.
According to King County Public Health, the investigation is ongoing.
Here’s what we know.
King County Public Health reopened a Salmonella outbreak investigation after another illness was linked to the restaurant located at 14747 NE 20th St. in Bellevue, Washington.
Outbreak patients ate food from the restaurant between October 16, 2023, and June 8, 2024. Reports of illnesses began between October 23, 2023, through June 13, 2024.
The initial outbreak impacted three people. Since then, the restaurant has been closed twice. Each time, more cases were linked to the outbreak.
The Bellevue IHOP currently holds a “NEEDS TO IMPROVE” inspection rating and is currently closed.
The Bellevue IHOP outbreak began late last year. So far, a source has not been discovered despite recurring outbreaks with the same strain of Salmonella that continues to spread.
Public Health began receiving reports of illnesses linked to the Bellevue IHOP location between October and November 2023. At that time, 3 people with the same Salmonella strain were linked to the restaurant.
During the course of the investigation, no specific factor contributing to the illnesses could be identified.
According to reports, the facility underwent extensive cleaning and reinforced food safety training with employees.
Public Health was notified on March 18, 2024, of another illness associated with the Bellevue IHOP location. Laboratory testing from the patient who became sick after eating there on February 26, 2024, confirmed that this case of Salmonella infection matched the outbreak strain from the previous three cases. This brought the case count to four.
In response, the outbreak investigation was re-opened.
Public Health inspected the restaurant on April 2, 2024, and took swabs of various surfaces, hoping to find the source of the Salmonella contamination. These samples were sent to Washington State Public Health Lab for testing. Results revealed the presence of Salmonella matching the outbreak strain.
Public Health closed down the restaurant on April 10 in response. A thorough cleaning and disinfection was required to reopen. This was verified by Public Health on April 12, 2024, and the restaurant was allowed to reopen.
Another notification to Public Health on May 24, 2024, confirmed an additional case with the same Salmonella outbreak strain. This patient became sick after eating at the Bellevue IHOP on May 7, 2024. Now the case count was up to five. The agency reopened the outbreak investigation yet again.
The restaurant was ordered to close until further notice. An extensive cleaning took place during this time.
After Public Health deemed the “extensive cleaning at the restaurant” adequate, it reopened on June 7, 2024.
Unfortunately, reports of another illness consistent with previous Salmonella illnesses at the restaurant prompted another reopening of the Salmonella outbreak investigation on June 27, 2024. This patient ate at the Bellevue IHOP location just one day after the restaurant reopened – June 8, 2024.
According to King County Public Health, “this investigation is ongoing and we will continue to monitor the situation and provide further updates.”
The restaurant was ordered to close again and remains closed until further notice.
King County Public Health Inspection records present recent satisfactory ratings for the restaurant, despite the recurrent outbreaks. However, the Bellevue IHOP location does have a history of violations.
The most recent violation occurred in March of 2022 with improper warewashing facilities. A minor offence.
However, previous years have shown a history of improper hot and cold holding temperatures, bare hand contact with food, poorly maintained food contact surfaces, and inadequate handwashing facilities.
Facility management and staff training contribute to a number of foodborne illnesses each year. This history of violations and recent recurring outbreaks demonstrate a huge lapse in safety.
Salmonella is the germ responsible for causing the illness, salmonellosis. If exposed, people usually begin feeling sick somewhere between six hours and six days.
Symptoms often include diarrhea, stomach cramps and fever, usually lasting about a week (four to seven days).
Most people experience mild illness and do not need medical intervention to recover. For this reason, salmonellosis goes widely unreported. In cases such as those associated with this Salmonella outbreak at the Bellevue IHOP, people are sick enough to require medical treatment. In some cases, this results in hospitalization.
Certain groups of people are at greater risk of infection if exposed to Salmonella bacteria or are more likely to become more seriously ill and experience complications. These usually include children under five years old, adults over 65, and those with a compromised immune system. Taking certain medications, such as acid reducers or those that lower the immune system can also make you more vulnerable to Salmonella infection.
Some salmonellosis cases can lead beyond diarrheal illness, creating serious complications. Complications may include dehydration, bloodstream infections, and reactive arthritis.
Dehydration is a serious concern when it comes to diarrheal illnesses. This can occur when the body loses more fluid than is replaced. The body needs water to function. Without proper hydration, organ systems can suffer resulting in fatal outcomes.
Dehydration warning signs may include:
A bloodstream infection, or bacteremia, is a serious complication of salmonellosis. This occurs when the bacteria leave the intestinal tract and enters the bloodstream. From there, the bacteria can move through the body and affect other tissues and organs.
This typically happens when the intestinal lining becomes inflamed or compromised. This could be a preexisting issue; however certain bacteria attack these barriers to gain access to the bloodstream.
Complications from bacteremia may affect the:
Some people with salmonellosis may experience a complication known as reactive arthritis. This occurs when the bacteria attack the collagen in the joints and other parts of the body.
Common reactive arthritis symptoms include:
Those with reactive arthritis may experience symptoms for months, or even years after Salmonella infection.
While most people recover from Salmonella infections by simply treating the symptoms and staying hydrated, certain symptoms warrant a trip to your healthcare provider.
Call your doctor if you:
Have you been impacted by the Bellevue IHOP Salmonella outbreak? You may have a legal case. The experienced Salmonella lawyers at The Lange Law Firm, PLLC can fight for the compensation you deserve. Lost income, medical bills, and other associated expenses add up. The Lange Law Firm, PLLC helps hold those responsible accountable for their role in foodborne illness.
Call (833) 330-3663 or fill out the online submission form for a free consultation today!
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)
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