Posted: May 23rd, 2011 - 10:03pm by Doug Powell

Health types in Illinois continue to investigate the cause of a Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak that appears to be linked to the Portillo’s restaurant in St. Charles.

The number of confirmed cases stands at 15.

An exact cause of the outbreak has not been identified; however the weight of evidence leans toward the ingestion of salad. It is not known how the salad became contaminated.

Eleven of the 15 cases reported eating at Portillo’s, and seven of those reported eating a salad. Two employees have tested positive for Salmonella Typhimurium, but the investigation has identified them as likely victims of the outbreak and not the cause.

Other information about the outbreak includes
• Onset date ranged from April 5 through April 30
• 10 are female, five are male
• Three were hospitalized