Listeria Outbreak linked to milkshakes from Frugals restaurant in Tacoma, WA
8 months ago •source doh.wa.gov
Outbreak
The Washington State Department of Health is working with Pierce and Thurston County local health jurisdictions to investigate a Listeria outbreak linked to milkshakes from Frugals restaurant located at 10727 Pacific Ave. S., Tacoma, WA, 98444. Between February 27 and July 22, 2023, six Washington residents (Pierce
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County: 5 and Thurston County: 1) developed severe illness due to infection with Listeria bacteria (listeriosis). All six people had conditions that made their immune systems less able to fight disease, three of the individuals unfortunately died.
Two of the people infected with listeriosis reported consuming milkshakes from Frugals restaurant in Tacoma prior to becoming sick. Because milkshakes and ice cream have caused listeria outbreaks in the past, the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department collected milkshake samples from the restaurant on August 8, 2023. On August 18, 2023, all flavors of the milkshakes were found to be contaminated with the same strain of Listeria that caused the outbreak.
The restaurant discontinued the use of its two milkshake machines on August 8. The milkshake machines will be kept out of service until the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department determines they are free of Listeria contamination and no longer pose a danger to the public.
In case you are experiencing Listeria monocytogenes symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, it is important to report it. 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: doh.wa.gov
Two of the people infected with listeriosis reported consuming milkshakes from Frugals restaurant in Tacoma prior to becoming sick. Because milkshakes and ice cream have caused listeria outbreaks in the past, the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department collected milkshake samples from the restaurant on August 8, 2023. On August 18, 2023, all flavors of the milkshakes were found to be contaminated with the same strain of Listeria that caused the outbreak.
The restaurant discontinued the use of its two milkshake machines on August 8. The milkshake machines will be kept out of service until the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department determines they are free of Listeria contamination and no longer pose a danger to the public.
In case you are experiencing Listeria monocytogenes symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, it is important to report it. 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: doh.wa.gov
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