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Western Sizzlin' Salmonella Outbreak

In April of 2002, 369 reported becoming ill after eating at the Western Sizzlin’ restaurant in Spruce Pine, North Carolina. Of those with symptoms of Salmonellosis, 39 cases of Salmonella infection were laboratory-confirmed.

Environmental Health (EH) personnel from the Mitchell County HD inspected the restaurant and noted deficiencies. Testing conducted on a number of different foods served by the restaurant, and various cooking utensils and surfaces, were found to be contaminated with Salmonella. In addition, an epidemiologic investigation of the outbreak revealed that two asymptomatic employees of the restaurant were found to be infected with Salmonella. It could not be determined whether the infected employees contracted Salmonella after eating at the restaurant, or if they were responsible for contaminating food at the restaurant.

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