California health authorities are continuing on with their investigation on the shigella outbreak linked to a seafood restaurant in San Jose.
The initial report stated that at least 93 people were sickened after eating at Mariscos San Juan Restaurant on 4th Street, but a new report now finds that the number has increased to 110.
Out of the 110 suspected cases of shigella, 92 of these are from Santa Clara County, and the rest of them are from different counties, including San Mateo, Santa Cruz, and Alameda counties.
So far, the Santa Clara County health department has confirmed 24 cases of shigellosis.
People started to feel sick over the weekend after eating at the aforementioned restaurant. According to the Los Angeles Times, several people who dined at the restaurant on Friday or Saturday last week had to be sent to the hospital, with 12 of them given intensive treatment.
Last Sunday, the restaurant had to be shut down, ABC News reported, and health officials are now urging anyone who's been to the restaurant to eat and later developed symptoms such as diarrhea and fever to seek medical help immediately
Those who had been given intensive treatment have been released from the hospital, according to health department officials.
As of this point, the cause of the outbreak has not been identified and is subject for an open investigation. However, it is being slowed down due to the reason that some Mariscos staff members have not submitted their stool samples for analysis.
Shigellosis is a bacterial infection caused by the Shigella group of bacteria. Those who develop the infection usually experience symptoms such as fever, stomach cramps, and diarrhea from the day after bacterial exposure.
County officials warn that shigellosis can be a serious infection that can be fatal in rare instances. The bacteria are easily spread from one person to another, especially if the infected person does not observe proper hygiene while handling food.
