Norwalk, OHAfter eating at Casa Fiesta on April 25, 2008, a man became very ill with Salmonella poisoning. The man, Kody Dewitt, has filed a lawsuit seeking compensation for medical bills and hardships that equal over $25,000. The lawsuit has been filed in Huron County Common Pleas Court and follows an Ohio Department of Health investigation into 25 other confirmed Salmonella cases that have been traced back to Casa Fiesta.
According to the lawsuit, soon after eating at Casa Fiesta, Dewitt fell violently ill. This illness required him to be hospitalized, which resulted in lost wages, bodily injury, and damage that he says is permanent. This permanent damage is said to limit his earning capability indefinitely. Local news agencies have reported that others who were infected by the tainted food plan on filing lawsuits as well.
Although all of the Salmonella cases involved have been traced back to the restaurant, health officials are not sure what the source of contamination was. The food samples that were tested in a laboratory came back negative. The health department has said that all 26 of the individuals had eaten something different at the restaurant. Unfortunately, Salmonella can exist on anything from ice to vegetables. Test results that were conducted on the staff are scheduled to come back on May 16.
There are many instances in which Salmonella poisoning can occur. There are around 40,000 cases reported each year and can occur when food is not properly stored or when it is handled improperly. Sometimes the infections can be fatal and those with weak immune systems are especially susceptible. Those who are healthy and contract Salmonella usually display symptoms of a stomach virus, but those symptoms can be quite worse. The symptoms are usually experienced 12 to 72 hours after infection has occurred and lab tests are required to determine if the infection is from Salmonella. Antibiotics are required and, if not administered, the condition can lead to death. Not many will develop joint problems, eye irritation, or painful urination. However, these issues can occur and is referred to under the name Reiter's Syndrome. This condition can last for months or years after infection. The condition can later lead to chronic arthritis.
The 26 cases from Casa Fiesta have shown the classic symptoms of Salmonella poisoning. Fortunately, none of them have showed any symptoms of Reiter's Syndrome.
