Deadly listeria outbreak linked to milkshakes from the burger chain

A listeria outbreak that has killed three people has been linked to a milkshake sold by burger chain Frugals at its Tacoma, Washington, restaurant. State Department of Health.

In a press release issued Friday, officials said the outbreak was caused by foodborne listeria, a type of bacteria that can cause serious illness or death in people 65 and older, and miscarriages and premature deliveries in pregnant women. At least three other people were hospitalized as a result of the outbreak in the period from February. From 27 to 22 July.

The health department said the same strain of bacteria was found in the restaurant’s ice cream machines, about 10 miles south of downtown Tacoma, that had not been properly cleaned. The restaurant stopped using its ice cream machines after testing them in August 2018. Health officials said listeria bacteria can make people sick after several days of eating the bacteria. They added that none of the other Frugals restaurants in Washington or Montana are believed to have been affected.

in Statement posted on Instagram “We are deeply saddened and deeply sorry for any harm our actions could cause,” Frugals said over the weekend. Tacoma Frugals said it has stopped selling its milkshake and has sent its milkshake equipment to be cleaned and retested.

Economists did not immediately respond to requests for additional comment Monday night.

Investigators said all six people hospitalized, including those who died, were immunocompromised, and that genetic fingerprinting of the bacteria showed that the same food was likely responsible for making them sick.

Two of those who fell ill and survived told investigators they drank a milkshake from the restaurant.

Previous listeria outbreaks caused by ice cream and milkshakes prompted the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department to take samples from the restaurant in August 2018. 8, state health officials said. Ten days later, they confirmed that all of the restaurant’s flavored milkshakes were contaminated with the same strain of listeria that caused the outbreak.

While most people who eat food contaminated with listeria do not become seriously ill, state health officials have advised anyone who is pregnant, age 65 or older, or has a weakened immune system to drink a milkshake at the restaurant from May 29 through August. 7 Contact their healthcare provider.

“The milkshake machines will remain out of service until the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department determines that they are free of listeria contamination and no longer pose a danger to the public.” Washington State Department of Health He said.