Potential Portillo’s Ecoli Outbreak

The Chicago Tribune reported this last week that the Illinois Department of Public Health is looking into whether a recent E. coli outbreak is linked to a Portillo’s in Glendale Heights. Here is everything we know about this Potential Portillo’s Ecoli Outbreak:

Potential Portillo’s Ecoli Outbreak

Four cases of a toxin that produces E. coli bacteria and one case of a related blood syndrome have been reported by public health officials.

As of now, there has been no public announcement of a potential food product involved.

“The health and safety of our team members and guests is our top priority,” Sara Wirth said in a statement. “Across Portillo’s, we have extensive sanitary and food handling guidelines in place, including daily deep cleanings of all restaurants. … Once notified (of the outbreak), we moved quickly and began assisting with the investigation and revisiting our food safety best practices with our team members to mitigate potential future risk.”

The health department is urging doctors to consider an E. coli diagnosis in symptomatic patients who have recently eaten at the location.

According to the CDC:

What are Escherichia coli?

E. coli are bacteria found in the intestines of people and animals and in the environment; they can also be found in food and untreated water.

Most E. coli are harmless and are part of a healthy intestinal tract. However, some cause illnesses that are sometimes severe, such as diarrhea, urinary tract infections, respiratory illness, and bloodstream infections. The types of E. coli that cause diarrheal illness are spread through contaminated food or water and through contact with animals or people.

Who is more likely to get an E. coli infection?

Anyone can get sick from E. coli, but some people have an increased chance of infection. These people are:

• Adults aged 65 and older
• Children younger than 5 years of age
• People with weakened immune systems, including pregnant women
• People who travel to certain countries

What are the symptoms of E. coli infections?

Most people have diarrhea, which can be bloody, and most have stomach cramps that may be severe. Some also have vomiting. A high fever is uncommon. Symptoms usually last 5–7 days.

About 5–10% of people diagnosed with a type of E. coli called Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O157 develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)—a type of kidney failure that can be life-threatening.

Contact your healthcare provider if you have diarrhea or vomiting that lasts for more than 2 days, bloody stools, a fever higher than 102°F, or signs of dehydration (including little or no urination, excessive thirst, a very dry mouth, dizziness or lightheadedness, or very dark urine).

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 Ecoli 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 from Portillo’s with Ecoli and are interested in making a legal claim for compensation, we can help. We want you to know that an E coli Lawyer at the Lange Law Firm, PLLC is currently investigating this matter and offering free legal consultations.

Our lawyer, Jory Lange became a lawyer to help make our communities and families safer. Anyone who was infected with E coli may be entitled to compensation for their injuries.  To learn more about the Portillo’s Ecoli Outbreak or making an E coli food poisoning claim, please contact the Lange Law Firm, PLLC by phone or contact us online.