Three Fatalities in Tacoma Due to Listeria Outbreak Linked to Frugals Restaurant Milkshakes

**Listeria Outbreak in Tacoma Traced to Local Restaurant**

In a tragic turn of events, three people have lost their lives while three others have been hospitalized following the consumption of milkshakes contaminated with Listeria from a eating establishment in Tacoma, Washington, according to local health officials.

**Investigations Trace Source to Poorly Cleaned Equipment**

Upon investigation, it was discovered that the outbreak was linked to ice cream machines at a Frugals restaurant in Tacoma that were not cleaned adequately. This information was disclosed in a [press release](https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/listeria-bacteria-found-milkshakes-sold-frugals-restaurant-tacoma) from the Washington State Department of Health. Listeria can affect individuals up to 70 days after consumption, and the contaminated machines were in use through August 7, as stated in the release.

CNN made attempts to reach out to Frugals for comments but has yet to receive any response.

**Link Between Milkshakes and Hospitalizations**

Between February 27 and July 22, six individuals were hospitalized. Genetic fingerprinting from the bacteria found in the milkshakes revealed that it was the same strain of Listeria that led to these hospitalizations, according to the health department. Two of the three survivors confirmed that they had consumed a milkshake from the same Frugals establishment in Tacoma before falling ill.

**Symptoms of Listeria Infection**

Listeria infection typically manifests as fever and muscle aches, and may sometimes cause diarrhea or other gastrointestinal problems. Other symptoms include headache, confusion and convulsions.

**Outbreak Restricted to Single Location**

The health department assured that no other Frugals restaurants are believed to be affected by the outbreak. However, a word of caution has been issued to anyone who ate at the Tacoma restaurant between May 29 and August 7 and is showing symptoms of Listeria to contact a doctor immediately.

**Listeria in the United States**

According to the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention](https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/index.html), the Listeria monocytogene bacteria causes an estimated 1,600 cases of listeriosis in the United States annually, and around 260 deaths result from the disease each year. The disease primarily affects older adults, pregnant women, infants, and adults with compromised immune systems. The [CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/risk-groups/pregnant-women.html) also states that pregnant women are approximately ten times more likely to contract listeriosis, with pregnant Hispanic women being 24 times more likely.

Original Story at www.cnn.com – 2023-08-20 23:13:00