Salmonella Concerns Close Popular Rochester Restaurant

ROCHESTER, MI — Downtown Rochester’s popular Rojo Mexican Bistro has temporarily closed after several diners were recently diagnosed with a rare strain of salmonella. Oakland County Health Division Chief of Medical Services Dr. Pamela Hackert said the closure was voluntary.

"Out of an abundance of caution, they closed this location down while the investigation continues," Hackert told the Detroit Free Press. "The company has been cooperating with us."

On Friday, the county announced it is investigating 15 cases of salmonella saintpaul, a strain that causes diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. The illness can last 4-7 days and most people recover without treatment, Hackert said via a news release. The bacterial illness can have a more serious effect on infants, seniors and people with compromised immune systems — including severe illness and even death from dehydration.

"The key is to be able to stay hydrated," Hackert told the Free Press. "If people are unable to keep the fluids down they need to go to the emergency room."

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Cases have also been identified in other Michigan counties, as well as Ohio and Illinois. "The ongoing investigation suggests that the salmonella is being spread through personal contact," Hackert said in the news release. "Residents are reminded to wash their hands thoroughly before every meal and after using the restroom."

No other Rojo restaurant locations have been linked to the illness. Hackert told the Free Press that the county has taken dozens of food and environmental samples from the restaurant and not found salmonella.

The strain has previously been linked to jalapeño peppers and cucumbers. Hackert told the newspaper a connection to those vegetables hasn’t been made to the Michigan cases. Hackert told the Free Press health officials are investigating some restaurants that had been visited by more than one of the people who developed the illness. She declined to name the restaurants, the newspaper reported.

To reduce the risk of contracting salmonella, Oakland County recommends:

• Handwashing is essential and one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infection. Wash hands thoroughly, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before preparing and eating food. Rub hands vigorously with soap and warm running water for at least 20 seconds.
• Wash hands with soap after handling reptiles, birds, or baby chicks, and after contact with pet feces.
• Clean and disinfect all surface areas if someone in the household or workplace has symptoms, especially areas such as toilets, sinks, trash cans, doorknobs and faucet handles.
• Do not prepare food if you have symptoms and refrain from food preparation for at least three days after symptoms have ended, or two weeks after onset of clinical symptoms, whichever is longer.

Photo by Hungry Dudes via Flickr Commons.