CORINTH – State officials have finally isolated the cause of a salmonella outbreak in Corinth that began in November. The Mississippi State Department of Health said 59 people tested positive for salmonella after eating at a local Mexican restaurant.
Earlier this month, Nick Napper, the CEO of Magnolia Regional Health Center in Corinth, confirmed that 11 patients had tested positive for salmonella since Nov. 28, but the source of that bacteria had not been determined.
On Tuesday, the health department said the 59 people were customers and employees of Don Julio Mexican Restaurant, and that the restaurant had been closed.
The restaurant will remain closed until an improvement plan is approved by health officials.
The first cases of salmonella in Corinth were reported in late November.
Salmonella is bacteria resulting in fever, cramps and diarrhea that lasts for several days and can require hospitalization.
Napper said the patients who tested positive for salmonella were in stable condition or have been treated and released.
State health officials were able to determine the source of the bacteria by interviewing patients to find out what foods they’d eaten and by taking food samples from local restaurants.
Dr. Jessie R. Taylor, a district health officer, said the source of the salmonella does not appear to be a food producer or supplier. Taylor says it appears to be an isolated problem with the restaurant.
Officials say there should be no further risk to the public.
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