Update: How many people have gotten sick from eating at Fairview Heights LongHorn?

The St. Clair County Health Department and Illinois Department of Public Health say their investigation into the outbreak of shigellosis among diners at a Fairview Heights restaurant is progressing.

The health departments announced last Wednesday they were investigating the source of illnesses reported by people who had eaten at LongHorn Steakhouse at 6115 N. Illinois St. Shigellosis is caused by a group of bacteria called shigella, and symptoms include diarrhea and fever.

On Wednesday, the health department reported the following:

• 20 lab reports positive for shigella, ranging from age 22 to 80 years of age;
• 22 “probable cases” of shigella ranging from age 12 to 75 years of age;
• 8 people were hospitalized by shigella after eating at LongHorn;
• Sept. 20-Oct 2 is the adjusted range of dates where LongHorn customers could be at risk for exposure to shigella.

The BND anticipated updated data from the health department after its Sunday print edition deadline. Updated statistics may be available at bnd.com.

The restaurant closed voluntarily on Oct. 2 and remains closed as the investigation continues, according to LongHorns’ website. Restaurant representatives continue to cooperate with health officials, the health department says.

The health department is asking anyone who dined at the restaurant from Sept. 20 to last Wednesday to fill out a survey asking what food they ate.

Three lawsuits related to the outbreak have been filed so far in St. Clair County, according to circuit clerk records. Jory Lange, a Texas food poisoning attorney, told the BND Monday that more than 80 diners at the restaurant have retained his services, saying they also had become sick.

“So this has turned into a really big outbreak, I think much bigger than anyone had expected,” Lange said.

SYMPTOMS

Shigella infection causes fever and diarrhea, which may become bloody. Symptoms occur one to two days after coming in contact with the bacteria and typically last five to seven days, although some people may experience symptoms for up to four or more weeks.

People with diarrhea should contact their doctor if they have a fever, bloody or prolonged diarrhea, severe stomach cramping or dehydration. Health care providers and labs should quickly report shigella cases to the health department and consider the diagnosis of shigella infection in patients with compatible symptoms.

TRANSMISSION

The disease is spread when shigella bacteria pass from one infected person to the next. Infections also may be acquired from eating contaminated food.

“The bacteria are present in the diarrheal stools of infected persons while they are sick and for a few weeks afterwards. Most infections occur when the germ passes from the stool or soiled fingers of one person to the mouth of another person,” according to a health department release issued last week.

Transmission can be stopped with careful hand washing with soap and water, particularly after using the restroom. Children should be supervised when washing their hands at home, says the release stated.

People who have shigellosis should not prepare food or beverages for others until they no longer carry the shigella bactrium.

This story was originally published October 9, 2024 at 5:45 AM.