Nassau County Department of Health is investigating a cluster of cases of salmonellosis associated with people who consumed food or drink at the restaurant Brixx and Barley, located at 152 West Park Ave in Long Beach, NY. Potential exposures to Salmonella at the restaurant could date back to early July. Nassau County Department of Health has closed Brixx and Barley while the investigation as to the source of Salmonella is investigated.
Salmonella is typically transmitted during warmer months and is usually food borne. Most people who contract Salmonella will experience mild symptoms of gastrointestinal illness such as cramping and diarrhea, and symptoms usually start 12-72 hours after exposure. The majority of cases resolve on their own, without treatment, typically within 4-7 days. In some people, the symptoms can be more severe, requiring hospitalization. This is more likely to occur in infants, the elderly, and those immune suppressed.
Salmonella also can be spread from animal waste, and also from people to people. NCDOH recommends washing hands after contact with animals, washing hands often during preparation of food, and also washing your hands after using the toilet, changing diapers, or helping someone with diarrhea clean up after using the toilet.
If you have a Salmonella infection, or symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea, you should not prepare food or drinks for others until you no longer have diarrhea. Food handlers should avoid preparing food until their stool is clear of salmonella, which would be confirmed by the Department of Health.