Los Burritos Mexicanos closed as health officials investigate E. coli O157:H7 outbreak
The DuPage County Health Department is investigating several reports of illness possibly associated with food consumption from the Los Burritos Mexicanos restaurant located at 1015 E. Saint Charles Road in Lombard, according to a health department news release.
To date, four cases of E. coli O157:H7 have been laboratory confirmed. Two cases had been hospitalized and discharged, two cases have not required hospital admission; all are recovering at home.
It has been determined that some of the illnesses were caused by bacteria called Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O157:H7 (STEC O157:H7).
The restaurant has been closed pending further results of the investigation. Health officials say restaurant ownership and staff have been cooperating with the investigation.
If you or a family member has eaten at the Los Burritos Mexicanos restaurant in Lombard between May 24 and June 14 and developed diarrheal illness within two to 10 days after eating, promptly consult with your physician and call and report the illness to the DuPage County Health Department at (630) 221-7040 between 8am and 4:30pm; for after-hours concerns, call (630) 682-7400.
The symptoms of STEC infections vary for each person but often include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. If there is fever, it usually is not very high (less than 101˚F/less than 38.5˚C). Most people get better within 5–7 days. Some infections are very mild, but others are severe or even life-threatening.
Around 5–10% of those who are diagnosed with STEC infection develop a potentially life-threatening complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).
E. coli O157:H7 can be transmitted through contaminated food or water or from one person to another.
The DuPage County Health Department in Illinois receives approximately ten reports of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O157:H7 (STEC O157:H7) each year.
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