GRANTS PASS, Oregon. Public health officials are investigating a group of Salmonella cases linked to a Grants Pass restaurant that has resulted in two hospitalizations, according to the Josephine County Public Health Department.
The agency said multiple documented Salmonella cases were “potentially linked” to Si Casa Flores on NE Beacon Drive. Public health officials inspected the restaurant and collected 17 samples for laboratory tests, and results are expected this weekend.
“Si Casa Flores Corporation has been working closely with public health specialists to identify the source of the outbreak and ensure the continued safety of Si Casa customers,” the Josephine County Public Health Department said in a statement.
Due to the shared ingredients among local restaurants, state and local authorities are asking that anyone who has eaten at three locations owned by Si Casa Flores in Grants Pass from June 25 to July 7 complete an online survey. This includes the Beacon Drive location, the NW F Street location and the Xpress trailer on Union Avenue.
“The purpose of the survey is to gather the information necessary to assist in the attempt to identify the source of the infection,” public health officials said. “Information from sick and healthy customers is needed to identify foods associated with the disease. Those who experience symptoms should contact their primary care physician.”
The CDC lists Salmonella as a strain of bacteria that can cause infection, resulting in diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. Symptoms generally begin six hours to six days after infection and last four to seven days; however, some people do not develop symptoms for several weeks after infection, and others experience symptoms for several weeks.
“Salmonella strains sometimes cause infection in the urine, blood, bone, joints, or nervous system and can cause serious illness,” public health officials said. “Most people recover from Salmonella infection within four to seven days without antibiotics. People who are sick with a Salmonella infection should drink extra fluids while the diarrhea lasts.”
The Josephine County Public Health Department said the probability of containing the outbreak in Josephine County is “moderate to high.” The CDC estimates that Salmonella causes about 1.35 million illnesses, 26,500 hospitalizations, and 420 deaths in the United States each year.
