The source of a food-borne illness outbreak that killed three people and sickened three others has been traced to milkshakes at a Tacoma burger restaurant, the state Department of Health reported Friday.
DOH said two of the people who came down with illnesses from Listeria bacteria (listeriosis) consumed milkshakes from Frugals restaurant at 10727 Pacific Ave. S.
"Genetic fingerprinting (whole genome sequencing) of the bacteria indicated that the same food was likely responsible for making all six people sick," the health department said.
According to its website, Frugals has locations in Auburn, Port Angeles and Spokane as well as in Montana.
"Today, we were deeply saddened to learn the Washington State Department of Health is reporting six people were hospitalized with foodborne listeriosis and three people later died," the company said in a statement Friday night. "We are heartbroken and deeply regret any harm our actions could have caused."
The illness is an infection caused by Listeria bacteria, which can contaminate food. Common sources are unpasteurized or raw milk, or food made from unpasteurized milk, as well as other raw food sources.
DOH collected milkshake samples from Tacoma Frugals on August 8. Ten days later, all flavors of the milkshakes were found to be contaminated with the same strain of Listeria that caused the outbreak.
Five of the reported cases were in Pierce County and one was in Thurston County, according to DOH. All six patients, two women and four men, were hospitalized and three died, according to health officials. All of the victims had weakened immune systems, and were in their 40s, 60s or 70s.
Two of the deaths were in Pierce County and one in Thurston. The victims became ill between February 27 and June 30.
The restaurant discontinued use of its two milkshake machines on August 8, the DOH report said. In addition, Frugals said Friday night that it had taken its milkshake machines out of service at all of its locations.
"The milkshake machines will be kept out of service until DOH determines they are free of Listeria contamination and no longer pose a danger to the public," DOH said.
Frugals said samples from all of its milkshake machines will be tested.
"Although also not required by (T)PCHD, Frugals will also undergo enhanced cleaning, safety and sanitization procedures across all product categories and at all store locations," the company said.
The state reports about 10 to 25 infections in Washington each year. Those most at risk include people with a weakened immune system or who are pregnant, newborn or elderly.
Symptoms usually develop between three to 70 days after exposure. About half of those infected see symptoms within three weeks, according to the Tacoma Pierce County Health Department.
DOH advises that anyone at risk for complications from a Listeria infection and consumed milkshakes from Frugals Tacoma between May 29 and August 7, 2023 to contact their health care provider if they develop any symptoms.
Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions.
The health department offered the following tips to avoid exposure:
— Thoroughly cook meat like beef, pork or poultry.
— Wash raw vegetables well before eating.
— Keep uncooked meats away from vegetables and from cooked or ready-to-eat foods.
— Wash your hands, knives and cutting boards after you handle uncooked foods.
— Eat perishable and ready-to-eat foods as soon as possible.
More information is available at the CDC website.
