“Anyone who thinks they may have become ill from eating at a Chipotle restaurant in the past three weeks should consult their healthcare provider”, epidemiologist Dr. Scott Lindquist said in a Washington Health Department statement.
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However, for the E. Coli outbreak CBS Denver said that as many as three people in Portland and 19 in western Washington have already been sick from E. coli. One third of cases have been hospitalized, there have been no deaths.
The illnesses have been reported so far in people ranging from ages 11 to 64, he said.
Chris Arnold, Chipotle’s spokesman informed that the Mexican food chain is now working with health officers to investigate how the issue was actually raised. “We offer our deepest sympathies to those that have been affected by this situation”.
O.H.A. spokesman Jonathan Modie says people have reported symptoms in Clackamas and Washington counties in Oregon.
Update: AP now reports that Washington and Oregon health officials are investigating an E. coli outbreak linked to six Chipotle restaurants in Washington state and Oregon, health officials said Saturday.
According to the CDC, E. coli bacteria are commonly found in human and animal intestines and are a key component of healthy digestion.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that the symptoms of Escherichia coli include severe stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhea with bloody stool. D’Angeli also stated that anyone who has been struggling with bloody diarrhea, even if they have not eaten at the restaurant, should schedule a visit with their doctor.
The company is facing lawsuits stemming from similar incidents in the past that involved Salmonella and norovirus infections.
The company hasn’t made plans to close any other restaurants as there is no evidence of a link to other restaurants, Mr. Arnold said.
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Earlier this year, Chipotle stopped serving pork at hundreds of restaurants after a few suppliers violated its standards. The cooking process kills the harmful pathogens that cause illness. The outbreak caused a national panic and the company rebounded by strengthening its food safety systems and investing in a major advertising campaign.
