Fast-Food Milkshakes Claim Three Lives

A recent outbreak of listeria in Washington state has resulted in three deaths and three illnesses. The source of the outbreak has been traced back to fast-food milkshakes served at a Frugals restaurant in Tacoma. Health authorities discovered that the ice cream machines at the restaurant were not properly cleaned, and the listeria bacteria was found inside the machines after the illnesses were reported, according to a report by KOMO News. The strain of listeria found in the machines matched the strain that infected all six individuals affected by the outbreak. Two of the survivors reported having consumed milkshakes from the Frugals location prior to falling ill, as reported by CNN. While no other locations of the chain are thought to be involved, Frugals has issued a statement saying that all their locations will undergo rigorous cleaning and sanitization procedures, with all ice cream machines being tested for the bacteria.

Frugals expressed deep regret and sorrow in a statement, stating that they are devastated by the harm their actions may have caused. The Tacoma location ceased using their ice cream machines on August 8th. However, since listeria symptoms can appear up to 70 days after ingestion, health authorities are advising anyone who recently consumed food at the Tacoma Frugals to be vigilant for symptoms, according to KING5. Symptoms of listeria infection include fever, headache, stiff neck, muscle aches, confusion, diarrhea, loss of balance, and seizures. While most people do not experience serious complications from listeria infections, pregnant women, individuals over 65 years old, and people with compromised immune systems are at higher risk. All the victims in this outbreak had underlying conditions that weakened their immune systems. (Read more listeria stories.)