Food safety is a growing concern, with numerous outbreaks and recalls impacting the health of consumers this year.
One of the latest outbreaks is connected to a major steakhouse chain, LongHorn Steakhouse, after several diners fell ill in Illinois.
The outbreak is linked to shigellosis, a bacterial illness that can cause severe symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach pain, and fever. Here’s a detailed look at the situation and what consumers need to be aware of.
What Happened At LongHorn Steakhouse?
In September 2024, the St. Clair County Health Department in Illinois began investigating an outbreak of shigellosis linked to the LongHorn Steakhouse located in Fairview Heights.
Shigellosis is caused by a bacterial infection from the Shigella bacteria, which typically spreads through contaminated food or water.
The symptoms, which often include diarrhea, stomach pain, and fever, can lead to hospitalization in severe cases.
So far, 14 people have tested positive for the illness, and six of them have been hospitalized due to the severity of their symptoms.
Of these cases, 12 individuals had reportedly dined at the LongHorn Steakhouse on or around September 21-22, according to reports from local news outlets.
Why This Outbreak Is “Likely to Grow”
According to Jory Lange, a lawyer specializing in foodborne illness outbreaks, the number of affected individuals is expected to increase.
One reason is that it often takes time for those affected to seek medical attention, get tested, and have their results reported.
The spread of the bacteria can continue during this time, potentially leading to more cases. Lange emphasized that the growth of this outbreak is still under investigation, but more cases could emerge in the coming days and weeks.
The Health Department’s Response And Investigation
The St. Clair County Health Department is actively working to identify the root cause of the outbreak and prevent further cases.
Interestingly, none of the LongHorn employees have tested positive for shigellosis, making it unclear whether the source originated from the restaurant or another avenue.
As a preventive measure, LongHorn Steakhouse has been cooperating fully with the health authorities. The Fairview Heights location was voluntarily closed on October 2 and 3, and the company conducted a thorough cleaning and disinfection of the restaurant using hospital-grade disinfectant.
This was the third round of sanitation performed by the restaurant, demonstrating its proactive stance on handling the issue.
LongHorn’s Food Safety Precautions
LongHorn is trying hard to keep the Fairview Heights location clean & safe. They have a food safety expert there to make sure all employees follow the rules.
The goal is to stop any more germs from spreading and to show customers they are being careful. LongHorn Steakhouse said they care about their customers and staff’s health and safety.
That’s why they closed temporarily to clean everything properly. The company’s manager is there teaching employees how to handle food safely to avoid more health problems.
What Should Customers Do?
While the investigation continues, the St. Clair County Health Department advises anyone who dined at the Fairview Heights LongHorn Steakhouse on or after September 21 and is experiencing symptoms such as diarrhea or stomach cramps to seek medical attention immediately.
Early diagnosis can help manage the symptoms of shigellosis and prevent complications.
If you or someone you know is diagnosed with shigellosis, it’s important to follow the treatment plan prescribed by your healthcare provider and avoid preparing food for others to minimize the risk of spreading the infection.
What Is Shigellosis?
Shigellosis is a sickness caused by a type of bacteria called Shigella. It is very easy to spread and can be passed through touching infected food, water, or surfaces.
The infection primarily affects the digestive system and can result in symptoms such as diarrhea (often bloody), fever, nausea, and severe stomach cramps.
While the infection can typically last up to a week, severe cases may require hospitalization, particularly for the elderly, young children, or individuals with compromised immune systems.
LongHorn’s Nationwide Impact
The sickness is only at one LongHorn Steakhouse in Fairview Heights, Illinois right now. LongHorn has many restaurants all over the US. People all over the country may worry when a big chain like LongHorn has a food safety problem. LongHorn is trying to stop the sickness from spreading more. No other restaurants have had issues yet. This shows how important it is for restaurants to follow food safety rules to keep people from getting sick.
Conclusion:
Health officials are investigating a shigellosis outbreak at LongHorn Steakhouse in Fairview Heights, Illinois. The restaurant & officials are working quickly to keep people safe.
14 people are sick & more may get sick. Diners should watch for symptoms and see a doctor if they think they have a foodborne illness.
The restaurant is working hard to stop more people from getting sick, but this outbreak shows how important it is to be careful with food safety and hygiene to stay healthy.
