Shigellosis outbreak traced to Hallettsville restaurant

A Houston lawyer has filed a lawsuit against a Hallettsville restaurant, accusing them of being responsible for an outbreak of shigellosis that may have gotten more than 100 people sick during pre-graduation meals.

The Texas Department of State Health Services Public Health Region 8 (DSHS PHR 8) confirmed it is currently investigating an outbreak of shigellosis in Lavaca County dating back a day or two before the Memorial Day weekend.

This was just before graduation at a number of area high schools in Lavaca County, as well as neighboring Gonzales, DeWitt, Fayette and Colorado counties.

“DSHS PHR 8 is working to identify the source of the outbreak by interviewing individuals who have become sick and collecting food samples from a location where multiple individuals have eaten before becoming sick,” DSHS announced in a press release.

Houston-based Jory Lange of Lange Law Firm, which specializes in food and water safety, said he is filing suit on behalf of his client, who was diagnosed with shigellosis after eating at Los Cabos San Lucas Mexican Grill in Hallettsville. At least two more lawsuits have been filed and it is being reported that others may be expected with dozens of people having gotten sick.

The restaurant put out a statement to the public following the outbreak.

"We would like to offer our apologies to our customers affected by last Thursday's dinner service,” the statement read. “We have been working closely with our food suppliers, employees, and health inspectors on fixing the problem. The owner, Mr. Sanchez, voluntarily closed on Monday May 31, 2023 and immediately contacted health inspectors. Mr. Sanchez remained closed and did not feel comfortable operating while not knowing what was causing the illness.

“On Thursday June 1, 2023 health inspectors arrived at 9 a.m. and did a complete investigation. They inspected the entire facility top to bottom. As an extra precaution Mr. Sanchez disposed and discarded all food products and will be receiving all new food products early Friday morning June 2, 2023. This will allow his staff to prepare all food products fresh from scratch and be ready to reopen Friday, June 2, 2023 at 5 p.m.

“To the city of Hallettsville we thank you very much for your support and will continue working on maintaining great food safety standards at all of our establishments.”

Shigellosis is an infection caused by ingesting shigella bacteria. The bacteria spread easily, and people can become infected by eating food prepared by someone with shigellosis, swallowing water while swimming in a lake or improperly treated swimming pool, or touching surfaces or items contaminated with the bacteria from someone with an infection.