North Carolina Division of Public Health began investigating an outbreak of Salmonella at the Mona Pita Mediterranean Grill located at 5260 Capital Boulevard in Raleigh, North Carolina on February 10, 2017 in response to a complaint from two people who had been hospitalized from their severe symptoms after eating at Mona Pita.
Public Health investigators interviewed 104 people in association with the Mona Pita Salmonella outbreak. Interviews revealed that 41 people had fallen ill after eating at Mona Pita between February 3 and February 11, 2017. Of those 41 people, 23 sought medical care, and 18 were hospitalized due to the severity of their symptoms. Symptoms reported by cases in this outbreak generally consisted of nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and fever. These are consistent with Salmonella infection. Thirteen people had laboratory-confirmed Salmonellosis.
Investigators also inspected Mona Pita Mediterranean Grill and interviewed Mona Pita employees. While no employees reported any gastrointestinal illness, investigators did identify violations that could have contributed to the spread of Salmonella, including improper storage of raw meat next to raw vegetables, and preparation of raw meat near preparation of fresh and ready to eat foods.
Marler Clark is currently representing two individuals affected in the outbreak.