Salmonella outbreak associated with Mary Pilgrim Inn in Seattle

Summary

Public Health is investigating an outbreak of salmonellosis (caused by Salmonella bacteria) associated with Mary Pilgrim Inn, an emergency temporary housing shelter in Seattle. Many of the people became sick after eating food served at two Christmas dinners on December 25, 2024, or leftovers from those dinners on December 26, 2024. The food served at these events was only available for Mary Pilgrim Inn residents and staff and not open to the public.

We will provide updates on this ongoing investigation as we learn more.

Illnesses

Since December 30, 2024, at least 14 people who attended the Mary Pilgrim Inn Christmas dinners have tested positive for Salmonella.

Public Health actions

On December 31, 2024, we visited Mary Pilgrim Inn to speak with staff members about the preparation of food served at the Christmas dinners and provide suggestions on how they can improve food safety in the kitchen. We are still learning more about how Salmonella may have made people sick at Mary Pilgrim Inn.

Laboratory testing

Fourteen people who became sick tested positive for Salmonella. More sick people are currently being tested but we do not have the results yet.