Three Dead, Three Hospitalized After Consuming Contaminated Milkshakes at Tacoma Restaurant
Tacoma, Washington – A devastating outbreak of Listeria bacteria has led to the death of three individuals and the hospitalization of three others after they consumed contaminated milkshakes at a local restaurant. The Washington State Department of Health released a statement confirming the link between the outbreak and ice cream machines that were not properly cleaned at Frugals restaurant in Tacoma.
Listeria is a dangerous bacterium that can cause severe illness and even death. Its symptoms can appear up to 70 days after consumption, making it difficult to trace and contain. The machines in question were in use at the restaurant until August 7, exposing a significant number of patrons to the bacteria.
CNN reached out to Frugals for comment but has not received an immediate response. The health department has been working diligently to investigate the outbreak and has discovered that the genetic fingerprinting from the bacteria found in the milkshakes is identical to the strain responsible for the hospitalizations.
Furthermore, two of the three survivors revealed that they had consumed milkshakes from the same Frugals location before falling ill. This information strengthens the link between the outbreak and the restaurant.
Listeria infections typically present symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal problems. Headaches, confusion, and convulsions are also common. Pregnant women, infants, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to the bacteria. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Listeria causes an estimated 1,600 cases of listeriosis in the United States each year, resulting in approximately 260 deaths.
The health department is confident that this outbreak is isolated to the Tacoma Frugals location and reassures the public that other Frugals restaurants are not believed to be affected. However, anyone who visited the Tacoma restaurant between May 29 and August 7 and is experiencing symptoms of Listeria infection is urged to seek medical attention.
Pregnant women are at a significantly higher risk of contracting listeriosis, with Hispanic women being 24 times more likely to be affected, according to the CDC.
This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder of the importance of proper food handling and hygiene practices in all food establishments. The health department will continue to investigate the outbreak to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.