An E. coli outbreak at a restaurant in the South Side Bridgeport neighborhood has sickened at least 25 people, according to the Chicago Department of Public Health.
Carbón Live Fire Mexican Grill at 300 W. 26th St. has closed voluntarily as part of the CDPH’s investigation into the outbreak and is fully cooperating with health officials, according to a statement from the health department.
At least 25 Chicago residents have been sickened and at least five have been hospitalized, according to the statement. The health department is continuing to investigate and interview patients to rule out other possible exposures.
The restaurant has withdrawn from the Taste of Chicago so that it can turn “its full attention to addressing the issues at its Bridgeport location,” health department officials said Friday night. The owners have also voluntarily closed their second location at 810 N. Marshfield “out of an abundance of caution.”
E. coli can be transmitted through consumption of contaminated food including undercooked beef, unpasteurized juice, raw milk and unwashed raw produce, according to the health department. One of the leading symptoms caused by Shiga toxin-producing E. coli is diarrhea, including bloody diarrhea.
Anyone who recently ate at the restaurant and is suffering from symptoms is recommended to see their medical provider immediately.
