Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Outbreaks & Recalls,Salmonella on September 12, 2021
The McHenry County Department of Health issued a notice of reporting a foodborne illness outbreak of a gastrointestinal illness caused by Salmonella. The illness has been linked to El Sombrero, 314 Lincoln Ave, Fox River Grove. Here is what we know about this El Sombrero Salmonella Outbreak:
The agency still has not released the potential confirmed illnesses in this El Sombrero Salmonella Outbreak. NOr has the agency mentioned a potential source. “Those who ate at the food establishment from August 23 to September 3, regardless if they develop symptoms or remain well, were asked to complete a survey to assist MCDH in collecting data to conduct a comprehensive investigation of this illness outbreak to eliminate the public health risk. The MCDH is advising anyone who ate food prepared at the food establishment to seek medical attention and testing if they experience or develop symptoms.”
The McHenry County Department of Health sent another notice this week who recently ate at El Sombrero in Fox River Grove, and are in sensitive occupations, to exclude themselves from work and seek medical evaluation if experiencing any symptoms of gastrointestinal illness. El Sombrero has voluntarily closed and continues to cooperate with McHenry County health officials during the investigation. The notice further states:
“To avoid spreading the illness, exclusion from work after symptoms develop is critical for people who are employed in sensitive occupations — food handlers, healthcare workers and daycare workers. If you serve in a sensitive occupation and develop symptoms, please see your healthcare provider and request testing right away. If that is not an option, please contact the MCDH at (815) 334-4500 and ask to speak with someone in the communicable disease program.
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On September 3, the MCDH requested those who ate at the restaurant complete a survey to aid health officials in their investigation. MCDH appreciates the cooperation of county residents who completed the online illness investigation survey. The additional information provided was extremely valuable in moving the investigation forward. The survey is now closed.”
Salmonella is one of the most common causes of foodborne illnesses in the US. Once ingested, the bacteria can cause symptoms like fever, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Symptoms will start around 6 hours to 4 days after you consume the contaminated food. Diarrhea can be severe in a few cases and can lead to dehydration. If you don’t hydrate properly, then you might get hospitalized to get an IV.
Most people who get Salmonella infection recover within 4-7 days after contracting the infection without any treatment. Elders, children and those with compromised immune system are at the risk of becoming severely ill and getting hospitalized.
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the above symptoms or signs, be sure to visit your healthcare provider in order to get your illness properly treated and any foodborne infection reported. It is diligent reports like these that help investigators identify and subsequently eliminate the source of a foodborne illness outbreak.
Salmonella infection is usually caused by eating raw or undercooked meat, poultry, eggs or egg products. The incubation period ranges from several hours to two days. Most salmonella infections can be classified as stomach flu (gastroenteritis). Possible signs and symptoms include:
Signs and symptoms of salmonella infection generally last two to seven days. Diarrhea may last up to 10 days, although it may take several months before bowels return to normal.
A few varieties of salmonella bacteria result in typhoid fever, a sometimes deadly disease that is more common in developing countries.
And now the big question is – how does it get into our food?
Salmonella is a bacteria that is naturally present in the guts of wildlife, birds and farm animals such as chickens, cows, etc. Due to this, the bacteria is found in their manure and environment around them. As a result, the bacteria also gets passed on to meat, eggs, poultry and dairy products. When these products aren’t properly cooked or adequately stored, the bacteria gets ingested by anyone who consumes it.
Once it enters the human body, it may or may not sicken them but they will become salmonella carriers too. They will shed them in their feces. Salmonella can stay inside the carrier for up to one year. When the carrier doesn’t wash their hands properly after using the restroom, they can contaminate other surfaces and food meant for consumption.
This is basically how bacteria gets transferred to food.
Fresh produce like leafy greens gets infected in a different way. They can spread to fruits and vegetables when they are fertilized with contaminated manure, irrigated with contaminated water or comes in contact with the bacteria during processing, packing, cutting, washing or preparation process.
The Food and Drug Administration also indicates that some salmonella outbreaks have been traced to contaminants in spices. The agency is seeking ways to increase the safety of spices.
Our mission is to help families who have been harmed by contaminated food or water. When corporations cause Salmonella food poisoning outbreaks, we use the law to hold them accountable. The Lange Law Firm is one of the only law firms in the nation focused on representing families in food poisoning lawsuits.
If you got sick in this latest El Sombrero Salmonella Outbreak and are interested in making a legal claim for compensation, we can help. Our Salmonella lawyer can help you pursue compensation for your Salmonella food poisoning. Call us for a free no obligation legal consultation at (833) 330-3663 or send us an e-mail here.