St. Clair County says more LongHorn diners have tested positive for bacteria

The number of Fairview Heights LongHorn Steakhouse diners who have tested positive for food poisoning has increased by four to 24, the St. Clair County Health Department announced Friday.

County and state health officials are continuing to investigate a shigellosis outbreak at the restaurant, according to a news release from the county.

Shigellosis is caused by a group of bacteria called shigella, and symptoms include diarrhea and fever.

The county health department’s previous announcement said 20 people had tested positive for the bacteria that affects your digestive system.

Nine of the customers have been hospitalized, the county said. This is up from the previous number of eight hospitalizations.

Along with the 24 diners who tested positive for shigella, 44 people reported an illness consistent with shigellosis for a total of 68 cases, according to the news release.

Those who have become ill dined at the restaurant at 6115 N. Illinois St. between Sept. 20 and Sept. 30.

LongHorn voluntarily closed the restaurant on Oct. 2 and on Friday the company’s website listed the restaurant as “temporarily closed.”

A company representative could not be reached for comment Friday.

St. Clair County said the restaurant is “fully cooperating with the investigation.”

A cause of the shigellosis outbreak has not been announced.

A report by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states shigella “spreads easily” and “just a small amount” of shigella germs can make you sick.

“Shigella germs are in poop, so anything that gets contaminated by poop can potentially spread the germs,” the report states. “Shigella can spread from one person to another or through contaminated water, food, surfaces or objects.”

The county health department “has performed environmental assessments of the restaurant and provided corrective actions and guidance in consultation with (state officials) on safe food handling practices, proper handwashing protocols and professional environmental cleaning services to prevent further spread of disease,” according to the news release.

The county health department also said:

• The county continues to receive test results from patrons and staff who have been tested.
• Restaurant staff are required to have two negative results for shigella infection at least 24 hours apart prior to being released to return to work at the establishment.
• An alert was issued to area physicians about the shigellosis outbreak.
• The county is no longer asking patrons to complete an online survey. Persons who dined at LongHorn Sept. 20-30 and became ill and are still experiencing symptoms are asked to see a health care provider and complete the testing for shigella infection.

The News-Democrat previously reported that a Texas-based lawyer has been retained by dozens of customers who ate at the LongHorn Steakhouse in Fairview Heights and three lawsuits had been filed as of earlier this week.