Headline: Outbreak of Listeria Infection Traced to Milkshakes at Tacoma Burger Restaurant
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In a shocking discovery, the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department has announced that the source of a recent food-borne illness outbreak, resulting in three deaths and three other illnesses, can be traced back to milkshakes served at a popular Tacoma burger restaurant. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) released this information on Friday, revealing that two of the victims had consumed milkshakes from Frugals restaurant located at 10727 Pacific Ave. S.
The DOH conducted genetic fingerprinting, or whole genome sequencing, of the bacteria responsible for the illnesses – Listeria bacteria (also known as listeriosis), and found that all six individuals who fell sick were likely affected by the same contaminated food source. Frugals, known for its milkshakes, has other locations in Auburn, Port Angeles, Spokane, and Montana. The company has not yet responded to requests for comments from The News Tribune.
Listeriosis is an infection caused by Listeria bacteria, which can contaminate food items. Unpasteurized or raw milk and other raw food sources are common carriers of this bacteria. In this case, DOH collected milkshake samples from Frugals on August 8th and discovered that all flavors of milkshakes were contaminated with the same strain of Listeria responsible for the outbreak.
As a precautionary measure, the restaurant immediately discontinued the use of its two milkshake machines on August 8th, until DOH determines that they are free of Listeria contamination and no longer pose a danger to the public.
The reported cases were primarily in Pierce County, with one case in Thurston County. All six patients, two women, and four men, were hospitalized, and sadly, three of them passed away due to their weakened immune systems. The victims ranged in age from their 40s to 70s, becoming ill between February 27th and June 30th.
The state advises individuals who consumed milkshakes from Frugals Tacoma between May 29th and August 7th, 2023 and are at risk for complications from a Listeria infection to contact their healthcare provider if they experience any symptoms. Symptoms of Listeria infection may include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions.
To avoid exposure to Listeria, the Tacoma Pierce County Health Department recommends thoroughly cooking meat, washing raw vegetables before eating them, keeping uncooked meats separate from other foods, practicing proper hand hygiene, and consuming perishable and ready-to-eat foods as soon as possible.
For more information, individuals can visit the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Suspected food-borne illnesses can be reported in Pierce County at TPCHD’s website and in Thurston County at their respective health department websites.
This outbreak serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety measures and the need for restaurants to prioritize hygiene practices and thorough food handling protocols. Authorities will continue to investigate this incident and provide updates to ensure the safety of the public.