Our Blog

At Least 8 Sick in La Mex Salmonella Outbreak

This week, the Grundy County Health Department issued a public notice that it is investigating a cluster of individuals with documented Salmonella potentially linked to a Morris, Illinois restaurant. The health agency identified at least eight Salmonella cases in Grundy County that appear to be linked to the same restaurant located La Mex 115 E. Jackson Street in Morris Illinois. The business has voluntarily closed and is cooperating with public health officials during the investigation. Here is what we know about this La Mex Salmonella Outbreak:

La Mex Salmonella Outbreak

The health agency is telling the public to seek medical attention and testing if they ate at the La Mex restaurant in the 100 block of East Jackson Street of downtown Morris if they feel ill.

“Food consumed at La Mex restaurant between 8/31/2021 and 9/7/2021. If you ate there on the dates mentioned and have been ill, the county is asking that you see your doctor and get tested for the pathogen. Even if you recover completely after contracting this infection, there are long term health complications that could occur.”

WCSJ radio reported that the exposure timeframe is likely limited to Aug. 31 through Sept. 7, according to the Grundy County Health Department.

“At this point, the Grundy County Health Department, said that ‘this outbreak does not appear to be directly correlated to operating errors or issues in the establishment, but with the food sold by their suppliers.’” According to the radio station.

There is speculation that this outbreak may have a multi-state component or source, as officials from the FDA, CDC, and local health partners are investigating this outbreak.

According to the restaurant’s Facebook page, they are “waiting for all the employees to get tested. Deep cleaning and results on food samples to identify the contaminated food.”

Quick Look: Salmonella Symptoms

Symptoms of a Salmonella infection, called salmonellosis, typically start 6 to 72 hours after exposure to Salmonella bacteria from an infected animal, person or contaminated product.

Symptoms include:

fever
chills
diarrhea
abdominal cramps
headache
nausea
vomiting

What You Need To Know About Salmonella

CDC estimates Salmonella causes about 1.2 million illnesses, 23,000 hospitalizations, and 450 deaths in the United States every year. Food is the source for about 1 million of these illnesses.

Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most persons recover without treatment.
However, in some persons, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized.

Diagnosing salmonellosis requires testing a clinical specimen (such as stool or blood) from an infected person to distinguish it from other illnesses that can cause diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Once Salmonella is identified in the specimen, additional testing can be done to further characterize the Salmonella.

Causes of Salmonella Food Poisoning

Salmonella bacteria live in the intestines of people, animals and birds. Most people are infected with salmonella by eating foods that have been contaminated by feces. Commonly infected foods include:

Raw meat, poultry and seafood. Feces may get onto raw meat and poultry during the butchering process. Seafood may be contaminated if harvested from contaminated water.
Raw eggs. While an egg’s shell may seem to be a perfect barrier to contamination, some infected chickens produce eggs that contain salmonella before the shell is even formed. Raw eggs are used in homemade versions of mayonnaise and hollandaise sauce.
Fruits and vegetables. Some fresh produce, particularly imported varieties, may be hydrated in the field or washed during processing with water contaminated with salmonella. Contamination also can occur in the kitchen, when juices from raw meat and poultry come into contact with uncooked foods, such as salads.

How The Lange Law Firm Can Help

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 the only law firm in the nation solely focused on helping families in food poisoning lawsuits and contaminated water lawsuits.

If you got Salmonella food poisoning in the La Mex 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.

Candess Zona-Mendola