Sep 10

Sep 10 Rochester Chipotle one of several across Minnesota linked to salmonella outbreak

The South Broadway Chipotle is one of several restaurants being investigating by the state following a salmonella outbreak associated with the chain.

At least 45 cases of Salmonella Newport infection have been reported to the Minnesota Department of Health since Wednesday, Sept. 2, according to a news release.

Since many cases of salmonella do not seek health care and get tested, the number of ill people that are part of this outbreak is likely to be larger than the identified number of cases, the department says.

Of the 34 people who have been interviewed to date, 32 ate or likely ate at 17 different Chipotle restaurants across the state. Most locations are in the Twin Cities metro, with one in St. Cloud and one in Rochester. Their meal dates range from Aug. 16 to Aug. 26.

While investigators work to identify a specific food item source of the outbreak, Chipotle has changed the source of the suspect produce item under investigation. However, it's unclear which ingredient was linked to the outbreak.

“Chipotle has been extremely proactive in collaborating with investigators to quickly control the outbreak and identify its source,” said Dana Eikmeier, epidemiologist for the Foodborne Diseases Unit of MDH.

Symptoms of salmonellosis include diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever. Symptoms usually begin within 12 to 72 hours after exposure, but they can begin up to a week after exposure. Salmonella infections usually resolve in 5 to 7 days, but approximately 28 percent of laboratory-confirmed cases require hospitalization.

Approximately 700 cases of salmonellosis are reported each year in Minnesota. The DOH is also investigating a non-related salmonella outbreak related to cucumbers.