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A Shigella outbreak at LongHorn Steakhouse in Fairview, Illinois may be responsible for as many as 70 illnesses. So far, nine have been so serious the patients required hospitalization.
While the restaurant has remained closed since early October, more reports of illnesses are being discovered.
Here’s what we know about the Shigella outbreak at LongHorn Steakhouse and what to look out for if you dined there and became sick.
St. Clair County Health Department is actively investigating the Shigella outbreak at LongHorn Steakhouse to identify the source of the outbreak.
Was it a contaminated food product or ingredient?
Was it a sick food worker?
Where did this Shigella contamination come from and what does the restaurant need to do so that when they do reopen, patrons are not exposed again.
According to the most recent press release on October 14, 2024, St. Clair County Health Department reports that there are 24 confirmed individuals with positive Shigella laboratory reports.
Nine patients have been hospitalized.
Another 44 people reported illnesses consistent with Shigella infections, but either no confirmed laboratory testing has been performed or the results are not yet available.
As most cases of foodborne illness are mild and do not require medical intervention, the true number of people impacted by the Shigella outbreak at LongHorn Steakhouse is likely much larger.
Of those with confirmed or probable illnesses associated with the Shigella outbreak at LongHorn Steakhouse, those who were interviewed all had something in common.
They indicated that they had meals at the restaurant, located at 6115 North Illinois Street in Fairview Heights between September 20, 2024 and September 30, 2024.
The ages of sick patrons range from 12 years to 80 years.
Health officials closed the restaurant on October 2, 2024 as a result of an inspection prompted by reports of illness. St. Clair County Health officials indicate that the restaurant is fully cooperating with their investigation and with Illinois Department of Health.
During the visit on October 2, 2024, the agency performed environmental health assessments of the restaurant along with corrective actions and guidance in consultation with the Illinois Health Department. The specific results of that inspection are not yet available. However, the most recent update from St. Clair County Department of Health indicates that safe food handling practices, proper handwashing protocols, and professional environmental cleaning services to prevent further spread of disease were discussed.
While Health Department officials continue to monitor for additional reports of illness through medical channels, they no longer need sick patrons to fill out the online survey. A survey published on the Department’s website to gather information from those who became sick after eating at the restaurant between September 20, 2024 and September 30, 2024.
The Department recommends those who are experiencing symptoms should reach out to their healthcare provider. Indicate that you may be part of a Shigella outbreak so that appropriate testing can be performed within a timely manner.
Fast moving bacterial infections are more likely to turn up in a laboratory test when samples are taken earlier, rather than later. See your healthcare provider right away.
Shigella infections may cause a variety of symptoms. However, diarrheal illness is the most commonly reported.
Common symptoms include:
Symptoms usually begin a day or two after consuming something contaminated with Shigella bacteria and usually resolve within a week.
Most people do not need antibiotic treatment to recover. However, some people may experience complications that can result in hospitalization, serious illness, or even death.
Those with a weakened immune system should call their doctor right away if they begin experiencing symptoms consistent with Shigella infection, as they are more likely to experience severe or prolonged symptoms and severe complications.
Anyone with serious symptoms should call their doctor or seek urgent care right away.
Seek medical are if you have:
In some cases, Shigella infections can lead to lasting effects. For some, it may take weeks (or even months) before bowel habits return to normal.
Other complications may include:
Several cases have been filed in this Shigella outbreak at LongHorn Steakhouse already. With more likely in the next few weeks.
Becoming sick in a Shigella outbreak can be a stressful situation. Medical bills, missing work, caring for sick loved ones, and other burdens associated with Shigella infections add up.
If you have been impacted by this LongHorn Steakhouse outbreak, seek advice from an experienced Shigella lawyer. A firm that has represented cases just like yours and has won millions of dollars for families in your situation.
The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has already filed at least one lawsuit in this outbreak. If you have questions about making a legal claim, your answers are just a phone call or email away. Don’t wait to get the help you need and the justice you deserve.
Call (833) 330-3663 or click here to email for a free, no obligation consultation.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)
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