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According to a press release sent out today by the Oregon Health Authority, the number of people with Chipotle-induced "vomiting and bloody diarrhea" in the Portland metro area, on the Oregon side of the Columbia, has gone from three to 12.
Three of those 12 have been hospitalized, but so far no one has died from the Halloween Chipotle Disaster. Still, as the OHA stresses, "Many people affected with Shiga toxin E. coli may not seek health care, so the number of people made ill by this outbreak is likely more than identified."
At this point, Chipotle has closed 14 of its restaurants in Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington counties "to assist public health agencies with their investigation."
At least 43 Chipotles across the Pacific Northwest have been closed, and many more people in Washington have also been diagnosed with E. coli.
Are you wondering if you've been impacted by Chipotle's Spooky Halloween Curse? Ask yourself this: Have you eaten at a Pacific Northwest Chipotle within the past 10 days? And now, are you suffering from "watery or bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps"? Well, it might be time to take yourself to the doctor. Because while these symptoms do frequently resolve themselves within seven days, some people develop "a severe type of kidney failure which can begin as the diarrhea is improving."
No word yet on when Chipotle will reopen or whether you will ever enjoy another carnitas bowl with cilantro-lime rice and guacamole without waking in the night in fear.
On the other hand, Chipotle on Northeast Weidler Street is hiring, so don't give up hope yet. In fact, you're still looking for a job, right? This might be the perfect time to get in at ground level!
UPDATE: One of our designers made this. He is a hero.
Willamette Week