A Giardia outbreak at El Tapatio restaurant in Madisonville, KY, includes at least 23 people. Giardia is a common parasite that causes illness when feces from an infected person or animal contact water, food, or surfaces and are then ingested by someone else.
In restaurant outbreaks, food can be contaminated upon arrival, or become contaminated by dirty water at the restaurant, or an infected employee who didn’t thoroughly wash their hands after using the restroom. Health officials are working to determine the source of the outbreak.
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Symptoms of a Giardia Infection
In the U.S., Giardia causes more illnesses than any other parasite. Symptoms of an infection, called giardiasis, usually appear one to two weeks after exposure and last two to six weeks. Sometimes people have long-term complications lasting years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Symptoms usually begin with two to five bouts of diarrhea per day and include:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Greasy stools
- Bloating or gas
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Dehydration
A CDC study of giardiasis outbreaks between 2012 and 2017 found three main modes of transmission: water exposure (26 percent), person-to-person contact (25 percent), and contaminated food in six (5 percent). The sources of all food-related outbreaks in this study were foods that were served raw or with minimal processing, such as fresh fruits, herbs, vegetables, and leafy greens.
El Taptio Outbreak
Over the last month, 50 percent of people with giardiasis in Hopkins County, KY, said they had eaten at El Tapatio. Health officials discovered a problem with the walk-in refrigerator, have collected samples, and will be conducting food safety training with the staff. They stated there is no issue with drinking water in the county.
Food Safety Lawyers with Experience
Pritzker Hageman food poisoning lawyers have an unequaled track record. Our firm has represented clients in every major outbreak in the U.S. and has obtained numerous multi-million-dollar recoveries.
If you have been sickened by contaminated food and would like a free consultation with our experienced team, please contact us today by calling 888-377-8900 (toll-free), texting 612-261-0856, or by completing the form below.
