Health Department: Seven People Who Contracted Salmonella Ate at St. Charles Restaurant (UPDATE)

• Update: 9:15 p.m., May 10—Statement from Portillo's corporate office

Seven people who have contracted a form of salmonella in Northeastern Illinois reportedly ate at Portillo’s in St. Charles during April, according to Kane County Health officials.

The Kane County Health Department is working with state and other local health agencies regarding a recent and rare outbreak of Salmonella ser. Typhimurium in this region of Illinois.

Management of Portillo’s is cooperating with health officials in the investigation, according to information released by the Kane County department Tuesday night.

"We are cooperating fully with the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Kane County Health Department to protect the health and safety of our employees and customers," according to a statement released by Portillo's corporate office Tuesday night. "We have completely sanitized the store and all employees will be tested and will return to work only after they’ve received a clean bill of health." 

Ten cases of the particular strain of salmonella—all a generic match—have been found in the last two weeks, according to officials. That pattern is rare in Illinois and cases in other states also have been identified. At least two additional cases of salmonella are pending generic results.

The restaurant reportedly was sanitized Monday night and all food handlers are being tested for infection. Each food handler will need to provide two samples for testing before being able to return to work. The restaurant remains in operation.

"Portillo’s takes deep pride in our entire operation and we are committed to maintaining the utmost standards in food safety," according to Portillo's statement. "Over the years, we have served as a leader for food sanitation, safety and cleanliness."

Those infected with salmonella develop symptoms that likely can include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness can last up to seven days and most people will recover without treatment.

Anyone with these symptoms is asked to see a physician.