The Naperville Sun reported on a couple that claims their young son, J.B., became violently ill after eating at the Subway restaurant at 1009 E. Roosevelt Rd. in Lombard. Ron and Sarah Bowers say they ate there on Feb. 26.
A bacterial illness known as shigellosis has been confirmed by DuPage County health officials as the cause of the boy's symptoms.
Officials are advising anyone who ate at that particular Subway between Feb. 24 and March 1 and experienced diarrhea, vomiting, fever or stomach cramps to contact their doctor and report the illness to the health department (630-682-7400).
It might also be a good idea to contact an Illinois injury attorney.
Mr. and Mrs. Bowers did not specify the exact amount of damages sought, but are seeking damages "in such sums as shall be determined to fully and fairly compensate them for all general, special, incidental and consequential damages incurred."
Health officials are investigating a number of reported gastrointestinal illnesses tied to the restaurant and say it is limited to the E. Roosevelt Rd. location. Four cases resulted in hospitalizations.
Most people who become infected with the bacteria develop the symptoms listed above, including bloody diarrhea, and recover after five to seven days. But young children and the elderly are particularly sensitive to the illness and often must be hospitalized due to severe diarrhea.
Even those who don't develop symptoms still can pass the illness to others, the article reports. Roughly 1,300 confirmed cases of shigellosis are reported annually in Illinois, according to a health department press release cited by reporters.
Handwashing is widely considered the number one way to prevent the spread of bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses.
Related Resources:
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Food Poisoning Illness FAQ (FindLaw)
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Shigellosis: General Information (Centers for Disease Control)
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CDC Report Shows Food Safety Concerns Continue (FindLaw Injured Blog)
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Directory of Chicago Injury Lawyers (FindLaw)
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