Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in E. coli,Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls on June 2, 2026
The Centennial Park Aquatic Center in Orland Park, Illinois reopened today after a temporary closure. The closure was due to a possible E. coli exposure. So far, an employee has tested positive for E. coli, which prompted the closure. Another possible illness has been reported. However, the Facility says that the case has not been confirmed.
While closed, staff at Centennial Park Aquatic Center were busy cleaning, reviewing, and inspecting the facility to ensure it was safe and ready for guests when it was scheduled to reopen.
What did the Centennial Park Aquatic Center do prior to reopening? Why is E. coli exposure a concern at the Facility? How do you know if you have an E. coli infection and what should you do if you get sick?
Here’s what we know so far about the possible E. coli exposure event at Centennial Park Aquatic Center!
The Centennial Park Aquatic Center closed late Saturday afternoon after receiving reports that a staff member was being treated for an Escherichia coli (E. coli) infection.
This closure, just a week after the park opened, has disappointed many would-be pool goers. But others have concerns about the potential E. coli exposure.
According to officials from Centennial Park Aquatic Center, several steps were taken to ensure guest health and safety prior to reopening.
To get an idea of E. coli exposure risk and continued safety, multiple water samples were obtained and tested throughout the facility. Those tests returned negative for E. coli bacteria.
Staff performed a full “super chlorination” of all pools at Centennial Park Aquatic Center. This step was taken as a measure to kill any pathogens that may be present in the water. According to the Center, the chlorine levels have since been returned to normal operating standards for reopening.
A mechanical review of all chemical distribution systems were inspected. All reports indicate that the systems were “functioning properly with no alarms or irregularities detected.”
In response to the potential E. coli exposure at Centennial Park Aquatic Center, staff conducted a thorough park-wide cleaning with a focus on high-touch surfaces. This included locker rooms, restrooms, chairs, and even guard stations.
Reports indicate Health Inspectors performed a health inspection of the concession stand. Though Centenial Park Aquatic Center indicated that the individual being treated for an E. coli infections did not eat at the concession stand. No findings of that inspection were indicated.
During the investigation, staff communicated with health officials and complied with health and safety protocols throughout the response period.
Cook County Department of Health cleared the facility to reopen on Monday Morning. The facility reopened Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
You may be wondering why a sick employee and a second probable case of E. coli warrants shutting down a water park like Centennial Park Aquatic Center.
However, it makes sense when you think about it.
When it comes down to it, most illnesses like E. coli are spread through what experts refer to as “fecal-oral route.”
Yes. It means exactly what it sounds like it means.
The illness is spread when small amounts of feces are ingested.
When I say small, I mean really really small. For some illnesses like norovirus, just ten viral particles can pass on the infection. E. coli isn’t all that much better.
If any residual fecal particles are still on the sick person after wiping, they can carry those germs into water features. Not to mention the potential contamination situations of children in swim diapers or potty training littles.
All it takes is a splash to the face and a lick of the lips for that germ to find its next target.
So, how do you know if you have an E. coli infection?
If you recently visited Centennial Park Aquatic Center, it is a good idea to monitor yourself for symptoms.
The symptoms of E. coli infections can vary from mild to severe. Most people begin feeling sick around three to four days after exposure. However, some may begin feeling sick as early as one day or as late as 10 days.
Symptoms to look out for include:
Normally healthy people generally recover from E. coli infection within five to seven days. Some people, on the other hand, may experience other complications. These complications may lead to hospitalization or even death.
The elderly, young children (under five years), and those with a weakened immune system may experience more severe illnesses or develop serious complications. Complications like hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS.
This is where infections get especially dangerous!
HUS, is a rare, but serious health condition that can develop after becoming sick with toxin-producing bacteria like E. coli.
This complication develops when toxins rupture blood cells. These ruptured bloods cells clog the filtering aspects of the kidney. This can result in kidney failure and cause other downstream negative health effects.
People with HUS require hospitalization and monitoring to prevent further damage.
Symptoms to look out for include decreased urination, paleness in cheeks and inside of lower eyelids, and fatigue.
If you have been sick with symptoms consistent with E. coli infection and begin experiencing these HUS symptoms, get medical help right away!
If you have recently visited Centennial Park Aquatic Center and begin experiencing symptoms consistent with an E. coli infection, there are a few things to consider.
Even if your symptoms are mild, it is still a good idea to report your illness to your local health department. This can help investigators get a better picture of the scope of the E. coli outbreak.
They may ask you questions about your symptoms, what and where you have eaten in the past few weeks, where you have visited and other supporting information. So have that information handy.
If you are experiencing serious symptoms, seek medical attention right away. You may be dehydrated or experiencing complications. This is also the only way to determine if your illness is truly an E. coli infection and potentially connected to the E. coli bacteria associated with Centennial Park Aquatic Center.
If you have been seriously affected by your illness, it is also a good idea to get advice from an experienced E. coli lawyer.
If you believe you may be part of this E. coli exposure event at Centennial Park Aquatic Center and wish to make a legal claim, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has an E. coli lawyer that can help.
The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has successfully won millions of dollars in products liability and food poisoning cases and they can help you too!
Call (833) 330-3663 or send an email for a free, no-obligation consultation.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)