Tacos El Guero in Kirkland, WA linked to Gastrointestinal Outbreak

14130 Juanita Drive Northeast, Kirkland, 98034 Washington, United States

The Seattle & King County Public Health announced they are investigating a gastrointestinal illness associated with a private event catered by a Tacos El Guero food truck on September 14. Preliminary indications suggest the cause could be a bacterial toxin like Clostridium perfringens or Bacillus cereus. To date, 34 sick people who developed one or more symptoms consistent with bacterial toxin, including diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and nausea have been reported. Illness onset dates ranged from September 14, 2023, to September 15, 2023. The investigation is in progress.

The exact food or drink leading to these health issues has yet to be identified. However, it's not unusual to encounter difficulties tracing the exact cause for bacterial toxin outbreaks. Bacterial toxin illnesses are typically short-lived and by the time people seek care, if they do at all, it is often too long after the suspected exposure to test.

Environmental Health investigators conducted a thorough inspection of the Tacos El Guero food truck and the restaurant on September 18. The team identified potential risk factors, including inadequate refrigeration, improper cooling and reheating of food, and lack of managerial oversight. In addition, it was found that unpermitted food was being served from the truck.

As a response to the unsafe practices observed during the investigation, the investigators ordered the immediate closure of the restaurant on September 18 to mitigate the situation. The restaurant will only be allowed to reopen after demonstrating the adoption of appropriate food handling measures.

In case you experience vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea, report it now. It can help to detect & resolve outbreaks early and prevent others from being harmed, and it enables better surveillance. If symptoms persist, seek medical care.

Source: kingcounty.gov/en/legacy/depts/health/communicable-diseases/disease-control/outbreak/2023-sept-14-tacos-el-guero.aspx