Dozens Sick After Eating At Wheaton Golf Club

WHEATON, Ill. (CBS 2) -- Dozens of people who either dined at or work for a DuPage county restaurant were sick Monday night and health officials were trying to figure out why.

CBS 2's Mai Martinez reports that so far, all the cases have been linked to the restaurant and tavern at Arrowhead Golf Club, which is run by the Wheaton Park District.

A spokesperson for the park district said the restaurant was closed as a precaution. People looking forward to dining at the American Grill restaurant and bar were greeted with a simple sign Monday night, stating the facility would be closed until further notice.

The move came after about a dozen customers and twice as many employees came down with a mysterious illness last week. A spokesperson for the Wheaton Park District said all the cases were very similar.

Wheaton Park District Executive Director Michael Benard said, "Nasty flu-like symptoms appear and then another 24-hours later, people are on the mend."

Benard said restaurant managers first learned of the illnesses midweek when a couple of customers who had eaten at the restaurant last weekend called to say they were ill.

Managers got concerned as more calls came in. By around 5 p.m. Friday, roughly 20 people, including customers and employees, had fallen ill.

"I immediately suspended restaurant and tavern operations at that time and initiated some investigations with local public works regarding water," Benard said.

Benard said he also contacted the DuPage County Health Department. Workers have been on site since Saturday morning, trying to figure out the source of the illness. Benard said they're narrowing it down.

"I think we're leaning toward something that an illness that was brought into the facility by perhaps a customer or by an employee," Benard said.

Those who frequent the restaurant were comforted by the news, and they say they'll be back as soon as possible.

Julie Lencioni said, "We were concerned, but we know the Wheaton Park District will do the right thing and make sure that everything's taken care of."

Shannon Frey said, "I think they'll reopen it when they're ready and everything is safe.

Managers for the restaurant were hoping to get the green light to reopen Tuesday, when test results from the DuPage County Health Department were expected come back.

Until then, catering for events that were already scheduled were being handled by outside catering services.

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