Public Health is currently investigating an outbreak of salmonellosis (caused by Salmonella bacteria) associated with Miller’s Guild restaurant.
Six persons from four separate meal parties became ill after eating at the restaurant on different dates during 8/15/17 –11/3/17; one of the ill persons was hospitalized and has since recovered.
Laboratory testing has indicated that three of the ill persons were infected with the same strain of Salmonella bacteria, called Salmonella Braenderup by genetic “fingerprint”, suggesting they have a common source of infection; the other three ill persons were not tested. In past years, fewer than five cases of this strain of Salmonella Braenderup were reported in King County.
As part of the Public Health investigation, Environmental Health investigators visited and closed the restaurant on 11/21/17. During the field inspection, potential risk factors, such as practices that contribute to the risk of cross contamination, were identified and discussed with the owner. During the visit, several environmental samples were collected for laboratory testing to potentially identify the source of Salmonella contamination.
The restaurant is working cooperatively with Public Health to do a thorough cleaning and sanitation.
To prevent additional illnesses, several public health interventions were identified and the owners were instructed to implement them as a precondition to reopening.
Environmental Health investigators plan to revisit the restaurant on Wednesday, November 22, 2017 prior to reopening to ensure all of the identified risk factors have been addressed and all public health interventions were implemented to prevent further Salmonella infections.