5 Signs You May Have Salmonella from Pasha Mediterranean Grill

Posted in Outbreaks & Recalls,Salmonella on September 9, 2018

If you are in San Antonio, odds are, you have heard about the Salmonella outbreak linked to Pasha Mediterranean Grill.  What started out with more cases of Salmonella than normal has now skyrocketed into dangerous proportions. And it only is slated to grow more.

What was first reported was about 60 cases, rapidly grew to 184 almost overnight. Now that number is over 250 and more calls are expected to come in as the public is made aware of what they may be experiencing is more than the flu. With 12 people hospitalized, it is important for anyone who has eaten at the Wurzbach location and showing symptoms seek medical help immediately.

Over 300 calls have made it to the Metro Health Department inquiring about a possible sickness. These people are being referred to their doctors before anything else. Responding with speed and efficiency, Metro Health began investigating the restaurant in question; knowing time can be the most important factor. Due to dangers if left unchecked, a media blitz followed, telling the public to seek medical assistance for their symptoms. Now is the laborious task of getting to the root of the outbreak.

A word of praise needs to be mentioned for the quick response of the Metro Health Department for their quick responses and investigation.

Patrons of Pasha Mediterranean Grill who have visited the restaurant from Friday the 31st thru Sunday the 2nd who are experiencing flu-like symptoms are urged to talk to your health care provider. Stool testing is HIGHLY recommended.

At the time of this writing, Metro Health believes the outbreak could have come from a faulty refrigeration unit or maybe the hummus served that weekend, but reports are not in yet. Getting to the bottom of what caused the Salmonella outbreak can sometimes take weeks so patience is needed. Along with the public, two employees are also undergoing treatment. Salmonella does not distinguish food preparer and food consumer.

5 Signs You May Have Salmonella

If you ate at Pasha Mediterranean Grill during this weekend, and wonder if you have Salmonella, here are 5 things to keep a lookout for while you monitor your health in the coming days:

1. Sweating: This can be an early warning sign your body has giving you information there is something wrong happening. This may or may not be linked to a fever.
2. Nausea: Nausea is one of the typical symptoms of Salmonella infections. Like other symptoms, it can show around  6 hours and up to 3 days after eating contaminated food.
3. Gas and/or Abdominal Pain: Gas pain and heavy cramping are indications that bacteria are growing in your stomach and intestines.
4. Vomiting: It is one of the typical symptoms we see in many food poisoning illnesses, especially so with Salmonella food poisoning.
5. Diarrhea: Loose stools are very typical of Salmonella infections. in some cases, diarrhea can become bloody. This could mean future complications for the ill person. Immediate medical attention is advised at any sign of bloody stools.

If you believe your symptoms fall under the umbrella of Food Poisoning, remember that only a doctor can know for sure. It is best to seek a medical professional’s opinion instead of going it alone.

Remember: Not everyone will have every symptom. One patron of Pasha Mediterranean Grill felt nauseas, but never vomited. If not for her husband having other symptoms, neither of them would have asked their doctor for help.

Keep an Eye Out for Dehydration

Speaking from personal experience, having Food Poisoning drains the body of everything and most times even drinking water is an effort in futility. It is in your best interest to try your hardest to drink when sick. Signs of dehydration include: urinating in small amounts, dry tongue and mouth, and sunken and dry eyes.

Salmonella and How to Help Stay Safe

According to the CDC, Salmonella causes about 1.2 million illnesses, 23,000 hospitalizations, and 450 deaths each year in the United States. It is important to remember that going to a restaurant takes the power out of your hands concerning Food Poisoning. This shouldn’t deter us from trusting policies put into place, but just to be more aware.

There are a few tips when eating out to keep in mind to lessen the chances of Food Poisoning:

1. Wash your hands before you leave the house and at the restaurant if possible.
2. If you are served undercooked meat, poultry, or eggs never hesitate to send it back.
3. Check utensils, straws, and plates for cleanliness.
4. Keep an eye out on your server. If they look sick, don’t eat the food. Many outbreaks (and potentially this one) are caused by sick food service workers.

There is no vaccine to prevent Salmonella – yet. So prevention is our best defense. Every day we get closer to understanding what we as a community need to be doing to stay safer but we have a long way to go. In order to stay safe, there are practices we need to adhere to when preparing, cooking, and eating food.

Avoid cross-contamination. Keep uncooked meats separate from any other food. Wash cutting surfaces, utensils, and dishes before using twice.

Keep food properly refrigerated before cooking. One way to invite Salmonella into our food is to allow bacteria to grow where it shouldn’t.

Cook food promptly and at the right temperatures. Never leave food out to sit. For a thorough list of cooking temperatures for meats follow this link.

Washing your hands cannot be overstated. Before, during, and after handling each food type will destroy bacteria. I have been told before this is excessive and I strongly disagree. When it comes to clean food practices, keeping work spaces and hands clean is imperative.

Chill food properly. Whether transporting or serving, follow these temperature guidelines.

Our Salmonella Lawyer is Here to Help You

If you believe you have developed Salmonella after eating at Pasha Mediterranean Grill in San Antonio, we want you to know that a Salmonella lawyer at the Lange Law Firm, PLLC is currently investigating this matter and offering free legal consultations. Our lawyer, Jory Lange, grew up in San Antonio, Texas, and became a lawyer to help make our communities and families safer.

If you or a loved one have become ill after eating at Pasha Mediterranean Grill in San Antonio, Texas, you can call (833) 330-3663 for a free consultation or complete the form here.

By: Dwight Spencer, Contributing Writer (Non-Lawyer)