The Kankakee County Health Department is on high alert as it investigates a salmonella outbreak that has been traced back to a Cracker Barrel off Interstate 57.
According to health officials, at least eight diners have fallen ill after eating at the Cracker Barrel located on Ken Hayes Drive in Bourbonnais.
Since May 4, the establishment has shut its doors voluntarily and is working closely with the health department. Officials have conducted an environmental sweep and taught the restaurant staff proper food handling and sanitization practices.
In a statement to WCIA, Cracker Barrel said, "The Kankakee County Health Department recently notified us about an investigation it is conducting into the root cause of a specific strain of Salmonella affecting the Kankakee County community."
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"There is nothing more important to Cracker Barrel than the health and safety of our employees and guests and we are doing everything we can to assist the health department in its efforts."
They added, "Out of an abundance of caution we temporarily and voluntarily closed our Bradley location to perform extra maintenance and renovations to the building. We stress that this matter is limited to our Bradley store and does not concern our food supply or other Cracker Barrel locations. We anticipate and look forward to reopening our doors to employees and guests later this week."
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Salmonella typically affects individuals for a period of four to seven days. While many can recover without medication, older people and those with compromised immune systems may require medical intervention.
Common symptoms of salmonella include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. The KCHD urges anyone who ate at the restaurant and is experiencing diarrheal illness to contact them at 815-802-9400 option 3.
Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria usually has no noticeable changes in appearance, smell, or taste. Anyone can contract a Salmonella infection.
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However, infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to severe illness due to their fragile immune systems, as per the CDC.
Those who have dined at the restaurant and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical help. It's important for patients to inform their doctors about potential exposure to Salmonella bacteria as special tests are needed to diagnose salmonellosis.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection can resemble other illnesses, often leading to misdiagnosis.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection can appear within 12 to 72 hours after consuming contaminated food. Generally, healthy adults are sick for four to seven days. In some instances, however, diarrhea may be so severe that hospitalization is required.
Older adults, children, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more susceptible to severe illness and potentially life-threatening conditions.
In November last year, a salmonella outbreak linked to cantaloupes in the US resulted in dozens of people falling ill, with many requiring hospitalization.
The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention reports that at least 43 people across 15 states have been infected in the salmonella outbreak, including 17 who required hospital care. This follows the recall of several brands of whole and pre-cut cantaloupes and pre-cut fruit over the past week due to potential contamination concerns.
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