Burrito Bargain Botched: 60 Sickened In Norovirus Outbreak Linked To Promo For NU Students

EVANSTON, IL — City staff said Evanston public health officials have established how many people were sickened in a norovirus outbreak linked to a promotion at a downtown eatery.

About 60 people fell ill due to the outbreak, according to the Evanston Health and Human Services Department.

People reported experiencing stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhea after eating food from Big Wig Tacos & Burritos on Nov. 18.

From 1 to 8 p.m. that day, the restaurant at 950 Church St. offered $1 burritos to Northwestern University students.

Jose Estrada, the restaurant's owner, said in a statement last week that staff were being monitored for symptoms and the business was taking extra sanitary steps.

"While there have been reported cases," Estrada said, "we are not certain that the outbreak originated at our restaurant."

Local public health officials have received more than 100 submissions, including from those who have been sickened and others who dined at the same restaurants, Evanston spokesperson Jessie Mayo told Patch.

At least one Northwestern student reportedly wound up in the ER two days after eating at the restaurant.

City staff are analyzing information submitted through surveys and other channels, and health department personnel have conducted interviews and made multiple visits to Big Wig Tacos "to conduct inspections and deliver food safety in-service educational sessions," according to Mayo.

"The restaurant continues to collaborate with the Department's efforts," she added.

Staff encouraged everyone who ate at Big Wig Tacos during the 7-hour promotion to fill out an online questionnaire, no matter whether they became ill or not.

Earlier: Norovirus Outbreak Linked To $1 Burritos For Northwestern Students