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. Three people in the Portland area and at least 19 people in Washington have become sick after eating at the Mexican food chain since October 14.
The Skagit Valley Herald reports that the Skagit County Department of Public Health announced Friday that it has closed Chipotle Mexican Grill in Burlington pending an investigation of several E. coli infections among recent diners.
Of five cases under investigation since October 15, four individuals were hospitalized, according to the health department news release. Results of specimens sent to the state health lab for analysis are expected early next week.
The Department of Public Health advised those who have had close contact with someone ill with symptoms of E. coli infection to see a doctor. Symptoms include diarrhea (often bloody), abdominal cramps, vomiting and nausea.