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Local case of E. coli linked to Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants

Submitted by the Erie County Department of Health

Fri, Nov 20th 2015 02:50 pm

County and state health departments, CDC investigating single case involving a local resident

The Erie County Department of Health, in collaboration with the New York State Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are investigating a case of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O26 (STEC O26) in an Erie County resident. This same strain of STEC 026 identified in Erie County has been linked to cases in six different states: Washington (26), Oregon (13), California (two), Minnesota (two), New York (one) and Ohio (one).

The evidence available at this time suggests a common meal item or ingredient served at Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants in several states is a likely source of this outbreak. The investigation is ongoing to determine what specific food is linked to this illness. The case under investigation in Erie County reported eating at a local Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurant during the same time period in October as those reported in the other states. Chipotle Mexican Grill is continuing to assist public health officials with understanding the distribution of food items served at locations where ill people ate.

Most people diagnosed with E.coli develop diarrhea, abdominal cramping, fever, nausea and vomiting, and recover after a week. Some illnesses last longer and can be more severe, resulting in kidney failure. The case under investigation in Erie County has recovered without hospitalization.

At this time, there are no other cases in Erie County or New York associated with this outbreak. The ECDOH is actively monitoring for additional ill persons and working with Chipotle Mexican Grill to identify a possible source.

People who have recently become ill with diarrhea lasting for more than three days or accompanied by high fever or blood in the stool, who have eaten at a Chipotle Mexican Grill, should contact their health care provider.

For more information: Erie County Department of Health

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