Salmonella outbreak linked to Firefly Tapas Restaurant in Las Vegas sickens dozens
An salmonella outbreak linked to the Firefly Tapas Restaurant and Bar on 3900 Paradise Road in Las Vegas has sickened at least 80 people, according to the Southern Nevada Health District, who is conducting the outbreak investigation.
After reports late last week of salmonellosis in patrons of the restaurant, the health district closed Firefly after an inspection.
Inspectors noted several violation in the restaurant, according to a Las Vegas ABC affiliate. The report notes that inspectors found employees using improper hand washing techniques, food at unsafe temperatures, unsanitary equipment and food stored incorrectly.
In addition, at least one employee was observed handling garnishs with bare hands.
Several food items were measured at unsafe temperatures, including pork, calamari, lettuce, cheese, chicken, beef, shrimp, clams and mussels.
In total, the restaurant was cited for 44 violations; however, the exact source of the salmonella is still a mystery.
In order to reopen,the restaurant will have to be reinspected and earn a passing grade.
Salmonella is an organism, which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
Children are especially susceptible because they frequently put their fingers into their mouths and because their immune systems are still developing.
In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.
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