McHenry County Mexican Restaurant Linked to Salmonella Outbreak

 Posted on September 27, 2021 in Salmonella

Food served to customers at restaurants can become contaminated in multiple ways, and in these cases, people can suffer serious illnesses due to food poisoning. While there are many different types of bacteria, viruses, or other substances that can make foods dangerous, salmonella is one of the most common sources of foodborne illnesses. People may become infected with this type of bacteria if they eat meat that is not cooked properly, and the bacteria may also be spread if a restaurant employee does not wash their hands, if preparation surfaces and utensils are not sanitized correctly, or if food is not refrigerated or stored properly. Recently, multiple people in McHenry County contracted food poisoning due to salmonella, and this outbreak was linked to a Mexican restaurant in Fox River Grove.

El Sombrero Restaurant Closed Due to Salmonella Outbreak

Over the 2021 Labor Day weekend, several people in McHenry County received treatment for salmonella-related illnesses, and the county’s health department traced these infections back to El Sombrero, a restaurant in Fox River Grove. The restaurant has remained closed while this outbreak is being investigated. While the health department did not specify the number of people who contracted infections, it asked anyone who ate at the restaurant between August 23 and September 3 to complete a survey to provide information about their health, regardless of whether they had experienced any symptoms of food poisoning. The results of this survey provided officials with a picture of how the outbreak may have spread and affected people throughout the area.

The health department also asked people who work in “sensitive occupations” to stay home from work if they had experienced any symptoms of gastrointestinal illness after eating at the restaurant in question. These workers include people in the healthcare industry such as doctors or nurses, those whose work involves handling or serving food, and daycare workers who could potentially spread the infection to children. 

Salmonella food poisoning can lead to multiple health issues. In many cases, it causes gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, intestinal cramps, and nausea. It may also lead to ongoing health issues, such as reactive arthritis or irritable bowel syndrome. Treatment often involves administering antibiotics, and in severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary. People who have severe illnesses, including conditions such as HIV that weaken the immune system, are at higher risk of suffering serious complications. Children under the age of one year and adults over the age of 65 are also more likely to experience more serious illnesses.

Contact Our Illinois Salmonella Injury Lawyers

Salmonella food poisoning can have serious, long-lasting effects on a person’s life and health. The lawyers of [[tilte]] can help you address a foodborne illness that affected you and your family after eating at a restaurant. We will work to help you recover compensation for the costs of medical treatment and the effects on your health, as well as any income you have lost due to missed work and the pain and suffering you have experienced. Contact our Illinois food poisoning attorneys at 312-981-0409 to schedule a complimentary consultation.

Sources:

https://www.lakemchenryscanner.com/2021/09/04/salmonella-outbreak-linked-to-mexican-restaurant-in-fox-river-grove/

https://www.mchenrycountyil.gov/Home/Components/News/News/16681/17