An E. coli outbreak at Carbon Live Fire Mexican Grill has sickened at least 25 people in the Chicago area, according to the Chicago Department of Public Health. At least five people who ate at the restaurant, located at 300 W. 26th Street in the South Side Bridgeport neighborhood of Chicago, have been hospitalized.
Health officials urge anyone who ate restaurant and develops symptoms of an E.coli infection which include abdominal cramping and diarrhea that can be bloody, to seek medical attention and mention exposure to shiga toxin producing E. coli (STEC). E. coli infections should not be treated with antibiotics or anti-diarrheal medicines as they can worsen symptoms or cause life-threatening complications such as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which causes kidney failure, seizure, stroke, coma and death.
“This is a serious condition that is treatable,” said CDPH Commissioner Julie Morita, M.D. “Anyone who believes they may be symptomatic and ate at this restaurant should see their medical provider immediately. CDPH is taking every precaution as part of our robust response in order to limit the impact of this outbreak.”
A food source has not yet been identified. Other E. coli outbreaks have been linked to undercooked beef, unpasteurized juice or milk, unwashed, raw produce and uncooked dough containing flour. Those most at risk of developing and E.coli infection are young children, seniors and those with compromised immune systems.
