BRIDGEPORT — The number of victims following an E. coli outbreak at a neighborhood Mexican restaurant has jumped to 50, according to the Chicago Department of Public Health.
A recent investigation showed the E. coli outbreak began at Carbón Live Fire Mexican Grill, 300 W. 26th St., but it was unknown if the illness-sparking bacteria started with a particular food item or a sick employee.
Carbón owners have not returned requests for comments on the outbreak.
Health officials say their investigation is "ongoing."
Carbón voluntarily closed until a health department investigation is complete. As a precaution, owners have also closed their second location at 810 N. Marshfield Ave. In addition, the restaurant canceled plans to participate in this year's Taste of Chicago.
The outbreak led a Chicago woman who spent days in the hospital after eating some of the restaurant's chicken tacos to file a lawsuit against Carbón.
She’s now seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and her suffering, according to Bill Marler, the Seattle-based lawyer representing Andrews and four others sickened at Carbón.
City records show the health department passed the restaurant on every one of nine inspections since 2011. Four of those inspections happened after customers complained.
E. coli symptoms include debilitating stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting. Though most cases clear up in a week, the worst of them can cause a type of kidney failure known as hemolytic uremic syndrome.
The most common form of E. coli causes an estimated 96,000 illnesses, 3,200 hospitalizations and 31 deaths in the U.S. every year, according to Food Safety News.
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