Salmonella Outbreak in Chicago Area

 Posted on May 02, 2019 in Food Poisoning

People in the Chicago area have recently been warned that there has been a salmonella outbreak at a grocery store in the Archer Heights neighborhood that has already infected six people. The people became sick after eating carnitas and other foods they purchased at the kitchen counter of the Supermercado Rivera according to the Chicago Department of Public Health.

Anyone who ate the food may have been exposed to the bacteria, and anyone who took the food home and froze it has been advised to discard the possible contaminated items. The food items in question are no longer available, and the store employees have been educated on proper food handling, as well as the dangers of improper handling techniques and storage.

What is Salmonella?

Salmonella infection is a bacterial disease that causes issues with the intestinal tract and is often spread through feces. People are most likely to become infected through water or food that has been contaminated with the bacteria. Although most people do not show symptoms, some people will develop a fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps within eight to 72 hours of being exposed. Most healthy people will recover within a few days without any professional medical treatment.

Symptoms of salmonella infection will typically last between four and seven days, and those with a weakened immune system may need additional treatment such as antibiotics. If not treated, the infection may spread from the intestines into the bloodstream and other parts of the body and result in death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, salmonella infections cause roughly one million illnesses and some 450 deaths annually in the U.S. Children under the age of 5 years, adults over the age of 65, and people with weakened immune systems are most likely to suffer severe illness.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Although many cases of food poisoning, including salmonella infection, will resolve themselves without medical treatment, that is not always the case. If you are suffering from food poisoning and show any of the following signs and symptoms, you may need to seek medical attention:

• Frequent vomiting and the inability to keep down liquids.
• Diarrhea that has persisted for more than a few days.
• A temperature over 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Severe abdominal pain or cramping.
• Blood in your stool or vomit.
• Dehydration.
• Muscle fatigue, blurry vision, tingling in your arms and legs, or other neurological symptoms.

Contact an Experienced Attorney Today

If you have been infected by salmonella and have had to receive treatment in a hospital or had long-lasting effects from your illness, you may be entitled to compensation for your expenses. Contact the attorneys at Newland & Newland, LLP and let us ensure your rights are protected. We will review your situation and help you determine what your legal options may be. We serve the Arlington Heights, Palatine, Rolling Meadows, Libertyville, Mundelein, Buffalo Grove, Schaumburg, Elk Grove, and Itasca areas, so contact us today to schedule a consultation.

(image courtesy of Armando Ascorve Morales)