McHenry County Government: MCDH Salmonella Outbreak Investigation Ongoing

Press release from the McHenry County Government:

09/08/2021 6:00 PM

The McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) wants to remind those 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.

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.

Salmonella is a food-borne bacterium that cannot be detected by sight, taste or smell.  Once consumed it could result in symptoms of illness including nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, chills, fever or blood in the stool.

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.

Individuals with additional questions may contact MCDH at (815) 334-4510.

This press release was produced by the McHenry County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.