Restaurant Closure Linked to Foodborne Disease Outbreak in Cape Town

A recent investigation by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) revealed that food handling practices and inadequate hygiene among staff members at a Cape Town restaurant may have contributed to the spread of a foodborne disease (FBD) outbreak, resulting in the closure of the establishment. The outbreak, linked to a restaurant, affected 46 suspected cases of Shigella spp. or enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC), closely related bacteria that cause gastroenteritis in humans. The investigation found that three out of five patrons who had consumed prawns during dinner at the restaurant were admitted to private hospitals with gastrointestinal symptoms.

Key Takeaways:

• The outbreak investigation identified 46 suspected cases, with 12 staff members and 34 patrons affected.
• Clinical specimens were collected from 49 individuals, and 33 tested positive for Shigella spp./Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC), with 6 patrons and 27 staff members testing positive.
• Environmental health inspections revealed issues with overstocking of cold storage and non-compliance with the "first-in, first-out" principle.
• Researchers concluded that food handling practices and inadequate hygiene among staff members may have contributed to the spread of enteric pathogens during the outbreak.
• Interventions implemented included retraining of staff members on food safety, chemical safety, and effective hand and personal hygiene, as well as deep-cleaning and disinfecting of the restaurant.
• The closure of the restaurant and prompt public and environmental health actions prevented the occurrence of additional cases.
• Lead investigator Janine Bezuidenhoudt emphasized the importance of national Shigella guidelines to guide outbreak responses and the need for individuals with foodborne illness to seek healthcare for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Statistics:

• 46 suspected cases of Shigella spp. or enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC) were identified.
• 49 individuals had clinical specimens collected, with 33 testing positive for Shigella spp./Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC).
• 6 patrons and 27 staff members tested positive for Shigella spp./Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC).
• The outbreak affected 12 staff members and 34 patrons.
• The restaurant was closed and promptly deep-cleaned and disinfected.

Sources:

• National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD)
• Western Cape Provincial Communicable Disease Control Co-ordinator
• City Health Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs)