A possible Chipotle outbreak at that company’s restaurant at 9733 Sawmill Parkway in Powell, Ohio may have sickened more than 300 people, according to a Twitter update by the Delaware County General Health District. As of 4:00 pm on July 31, 2018, public health officials have received 368 inquiries related to possible foodborne illness. Between the close of business Tuesday and 8:00 am today, 45 more inquiries were received by the health department.
The restaurant, located in a suburb of Columbus, Ohio, was inspected the same day. Officials are investigating this Chipotle outbreak, pending lab test results.
People who are sick apparently ate at that Chipotle restaurant between Thursday, July 26 through Monday July 30, 2018. They have been experiencing nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. If you ate at that facility on those dates and have been ill, officials are asking that you call 740-368-1700 and ask to speak to a member of the Communicable Disease Team. You may be sent to voicemail, but someone will return your call.
The restaurant was closed by the company on Monday after the illness reports started coming in about this Chipotle outbreak. The restaurant reopened on Tuesday.
These symptoms are indicative of foodborne illness, but the cause could be anything from Salmonella to norovirus. Chipotle outbreaks have been caused by norovirus several times in the past few years, and two E. coli O26 outbreaks in 2015 linked to that company sickened at least 60 people.
Norovirus causes symptoms of vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea, and these symptoms usually begin within a day or two. Salmonella symptoms can occur from 3 to 72 hours after exposure to the pathogenic bacteria. Both pathogens are quite contagious and have caused many outbreaks in the past. Other pathogens being tested for include Bacillus cereus and Clostridium perfringens in this Chipotle outbreak.
The best way to prevent norovirus outbreaks is to wash your hands thoroughly after using the bathroom and before preparing or serving food, and to stay home when you are sick, especially with a diarrheal illness.
