All News / Outbreaks /

Chiang Mai House Thai Salmonella Outbreak and Litigation - Idaho (2017)

On September 21, 2017, the Central District Health Department received three lab reports and one clinical diagnosis for Salmonella infections of patrons who had all eaten at Chiang Mai House Thai Restaurant, located at 4898 West Emerald Street in Boise, Idaho. In total, six individuals with Salmonella infections were reported to the Central District Health Department and included in the Chiang Mai House Thai Salmonella outbreak (Outbreak ID# 2017-081). Five of the six cases were culture confirmed and were infected with the same strain of Salmonella. All cases ate food prepared at Chiang Mai House Thai on or after September 13. Four out of six of the reported cases consumed contaminated food catered for an office lunch meeting. Reported symptom onset dates ranged from September 16 to September 19.

Environmental Health inspectors conducted an on-site outbreak investigation at the restaurant on September 21. Inspectors observed food preparation and collected environmental swabs and food samples to be tested for Salmonella at the Idaho Bureau of Laboratories. Environmental testing included swabs from the walk-in refrigerator door, meat slicer, cutting boards, and food storage containers. Food samples for testing included prepared egg rolls, curry, and dipping sauces, as well as unprepared cilantro, pork, and eggs. All samples collected tested negative for Salmonella. However, five of the six cases reported eating fresh spring rolls, and the sixth case was not certain what they ate. Therefore, fresh spring rolls are the most likely outbreak vehicle. No employees reported being ill on September 13.

Health Department investigators determined that the Chiang Mai House Thai Restaurant Salmonella outbreak was a point source outbreak that lasted from the evening of September 13 to the morning of September 14. No secondary cases were identified by the health department investigation. The restaurant voluntarily closed on September 22 for 24 hours for deep cleaning and food disposal.

Marler Clark represented 4 people sickened in the outbreak and filed two lawsuits on their behalf. All cases were resolved in 2019.

Get Help

Affected by an outbreak or recall?

The team at Marler Clark is here to answer all your questions. Find out if you’re eligible for a lawsuit, what questions to ask your doctor, and more.

Get a free consultation
Related Resources
Salmonella Food Poisoning

What is Salmonella and how does it cause food poisoning? The term Salmonella refers to a specific group of gram-negative bacteria with the potential to cause gastrointestinal distress and other...

The Incidence of Salmonella Infections

Typhoidal Salmonella Salmonella enterica serotypes Typhi, Sendai, and Paratyphi A, B, or C are found exclusively in humans. These serotypes, collectively referred to as typhoidal Salmonella, cause enteric fever (also...

The Prevalence of Salmonella in Food and Elsewhere

Most Salmonella infections are caused by eating contaminated food. One study found that 87% of all confirmed cases of Salmonella are foodborne. Foods of animal origin, including meat, poultry, eggs...

Transmission of Salmonella Bacteria

In the past two decades, consumption of produce, especially sprouts, tomatoes, fruits, leafy greens, nuts, and nut butters, has been associated with Salmonella illnesses. The surface of fruits and vegetables...

Symptoms of Salmonella Infection

Symptoms of Salmonella infection include painful abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and fever. Salmonella infections can have a broad range of illness, from no symptoms to severe illness. The most common clinical...

Outbreak Database

Looking for a comprehensive list of outbreaks?

The team at Marler Clark is here to answer all your questions. Find out if you’re eligible for a lawsuit, what questions to ask your doctor, and more.

View Outbreak Database