Lawsuits Filed Over Fayetteville Holiday Inn Salmonella Outbreak

At least two food poisoning lawsuits have been filed as a result of a salmonella outbreak linked to a Holiday Inn near Fayetteville, North Carolina.

The complaints were filed earlier this week in Cumberland County Superior Court of North Carolina, by Lucille Thompson and Tara Foster.

According to allegations raised in the salmonella lawsuits, Thompson and Foster were among nearly 90 people who suffered food poisoning symptoms after eating at Cafe Bordeaux in the Holiday Inn earlier this month.

Both women indicate that they fell ill with abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea following their meals at the Bordeaux Holiday Inn. Thompson sought medical treatment on May 12, and was issued antibiotics as well as intravenous hydration therapy. Foster sought medical treatment on May 13, and was admitted to Mission Hospital for four days.

The Cumberland County Department of Public Health began investigating the outbreak in May 14. According to an update released on May 29 (PDF), at least 99 cases have been identified involving individuals who suffered signs and symptoms of salmonella infection after eating at the Holiday Inn Bordeaux at 1707 Owen Drive in Fayetteville. At least six people have been hospitalized as a result of the food poisoning.

The Holiday Inn Bordeaux serves food at two different restaurants, the All American Sports Bar and Grill and the Café Bordeaux, as well as from their banquet kitchen.

Salmonella infections are one of the most frequent foodborne illnesses, involving over 2,300 serotypes of bacteria that are impossible to see from the naked eye.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that Salmonella infections account for roughly 1.4 million foodborne illnesses per year and 400 fatalities annually in the United States alone.

The risk of serious illness from salmonella is a particular concern among young children, elderly and those with a compromised immune system and can cause symptoms that consist of fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. While these symptoms typically resolve in a few days for healthy individuals, if the bacteria enters the blood stream, it can cause more severe side effects such as infected aneurysms, endocarditis, and arthritis.

The Cumberland County Department of Health states that the investigation is still ongoing and efforts are being made to trace other possible sources of the contamination. A Salmonella Hotline, 910-433-3638, was set up for anyone who believes they may have eaten food from the Holiday Inn since May 1 and then developed symptoms within three days after consumption. Health officials are warning citizens of Fayetteville, North Carolina to be cautious of symptoms they may start to have and for questions they may call the Health Department at 910-433-3824.

Photo Courtesy of ell brown via Flickr