Salad likely cause of salmonella

Illinois health officials say evidence shows the cause of a salmonella outbreak the suburbs likely was eating salad.

There were fifteen confirmed cases of salmonella that appear to be linked to a Portillo’s restaurant in St. Charles. Eight cases were from Kane county, four from DuPage County, one from Chicago, one from DeKalb County and one from Minnesota.

Ten women and five men became ill; three were hospitalized. The outbreak last from April 5-30.

Health officials said they’ve haven’t determined the exact cause of the outbreak, but evidence is leaning toward salad. Food from the restaurant tested negative.

Kane County Health Department executive director Paul Kuehnert said the outbreak appears localized. He said Portillo’s cooperated thoroughly.