According to today’s REPORT from the Southern Nevada Health District, the epidemic curve as of May 20, 2013 is presented in the figure below and shows a total of 294 people whose illnesses met the case definition (73 confirmed and 221 probable cases). All identified ill persons ate at Firefly during April 21 through April 26, 2013. Illness onset dates occurred within the April 22 to May 1, 2013 time frame.  From various surveillance data sources, we have received reports of illness from restaurant patrons who normally reside in 27 states and 2 foreign countries (Canada and United Kingdom) who ate at Firefly during their visits to Las Vegas.

Serotyping of the isolates indicated that the outbreak strain was Salmonella (assigned with the antigenic code “I:4,5,12:i:-”.  Salmonella has also been found in cooked, left over, chorizo.

An Inspection Report on Firefly on Paradise Road released before the closure of the restaurant cited employees handling food without gloves and preparing food next to cleaning chemicals.  Records show Firefly received an “A” grade during a routine inspection last year. Now, it has been cited with 44 demerits.  First Full Report Here. And, Second Full Report Here.

We have been retained by nearly 150 people.