The CDC updated the E. coli outbreak associated with Chipotle again on December 4. There are now a total of 52 people sick after eating at Chipotle’s in 9 states. States affected by the outbreak include California with 3 cases, Illinois with 1 case, Maryland with 1 case, Minnesota with 2 cases, New York with 1 case, Ohio with 3 cases, Oregon with 13 cases, Pennsylvania with 1 case, and Washington with 27 cases. Twenty people have been hospitalized because of the outbreak, but there have been no reports of HUS or death. The investigation into the source of the outbreak is ongoing.
E. coli is a family of bacteria that is found in the intestines of many animals. Some strains of the bacteria can cause infection in humans. Symptoms can appear between 3 and 10 days after infection, and will include vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal cramping. E. coli infections can be very serious. The infection may cause a complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). HUS damages red blood cells, which in turn can cause kidney damage or failure. If you or a loved one begins to show the symptoms of E. coli poisoning, contact a medical professional.
