Salmonella Outbreak At Best BBQ Sends 6 To Hospital

CHICAGO, IL -- Six people have been hospitalized and at least 14 impacted after a salmonella outbreak at a restaurant in Morgan Park. Best BBQ, at 1648 W. 115th Street near Ashland Avenue, has closed voluntarily according to a statement from the Chicago Department of Public Health.

Best BBQ is "fully cooperating" with the city's investigation into the outbreak, the statement included.

"Working with CDPH food protection inspectors, the restaurant is addressing any possible contamination issues, to ensure sanitary and health conditions are in place. They are also providing a list of suppliers to investigate possible concerns with food sources."

Salmonella has been called "serious" but "treatable" by CPDH Commissioner Julie Morita, M.D.

“Anyone who believes they may be symptomatic and ate at this restaurant should see their medical provider immediately," Morita said. "CDPH is taking every precaution as part of our robust response in order to limit the impact of this outbreak.”

Anyone who ate at the restaurant recently is urged to see a medical provider and inform them of the possibility of salmonella.

The Department of Public Health said the link between salmonella and Best BBQ was made during an ongoing review of reports of patients diagnosed with specific diseases. During the review, investigators discovered a connection between a single salmonella serotype and those who recently ate at the restaurant.

The illness is a result of a bacteria that can be treated with antibiotics. Most people infected develop diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps between 12 and 72 hours after infection, according to the CDPH statement.

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