FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. — A LongHorn Steakhouse in Fairview Heights announced it was closing for the rest of the day Wednesday and would stay closed through Thursday after St. Clair County health officials announced they were investigating a spike in severe food poisoning cases linked to the restaurant.
Illinois Department of Health investigators started looking into the cases after numerous area hospitals reported Shigella infection increases. The bacteria causes a type of food poisoning infection called shigellosis, which triggers symptoms including bloody or prolonged diarrhea, stomach pain, and fever lasting five to seven days, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The infection can also, in rare cases, cause reactive arthritis, bloodstream infections, and seizures.
"As of the afternoon of October 2, 2024, the health department has received 14 Shigella reports from people testing positive," the St. Clair County Health Department said in an emailed press release. "Twelve (12) of the positive individuals dined at the LongHorn establishment between September 21st and 22nd, 2024. Six (6) cases have been hospitalized."
The LongHorn Steakhouse was packed with customers Wednesday at noon when 5 On Your Side spoke to the Fairview Heights location's manager. He said the restaurant has in-place procedures for when a foodborne illness is found and is actively working with health department investigators.
At the time, the manager was unsure whether the location would be forced to close as the investigation developed. As of 4:43 p.m. Wednesday night, a sign was placed on the restaurant's main entrance saying the location was closed for "cleaning and training." The restaurant was expected to reopen Friday.
Two of the infected patients, a couple from St. Clair County, reached out to 5 On Your Side and said they were both hospitalized days after eating at the restaurant.
"If you or a family member have eaten at the LongHorn Steakhouse located at 6115 North Illinois Street, Fairview Heights, Illinois from September 21st to present and developed diarrheal illness within 12 hours to four days after eating, please consult with your physician," the department said.
LongHorn Steakhouse sent 5 On Your Side the following statement after our initial reporting was published:
"The health and safety of our guests and team members is our number one priority, which is why we have voluntarily closed our restaurant today and tomorrow. This will allow us to conduct an additional thorough sanitization of the restaurant using a hospital-grade disinfectant. Our Total Quality manager on site will also be reinforcing our food safety and sanitation practices with our team."
