July 24 (UPI) -- Health officials in Virginia on Monday said norovirus likely caused an outbreak of illness earlier in the month at a Chipotle Mexican Grill.
The Loudoun County Health Department said more than 135 people became ill after eating at the restaurant in Sterling from July 13-16.
"Two ill patrons have tested positive for the same strain of norovirus. Based on symptoms reported and these preliminary laboratory results, the cause of the outbreak is believed to be norovirus, though the specific source of the norovirus has not yet been identified," said Dr. David Goodfriend, director of the department. "The health department is not aware of any customers becoming ill since the reopening of the facility last Wednesday."
Customers reported symptoms of stomach pain, dehydration and nausea after eating at Chipotle. Norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug, often occurs after a restaurant employee fails to wash their hands after using a restroom.
Chipotle has dealt with norovirus issues in the past, notably when nearly 120 Boston College students fell sick after an outbreak at a restaurant near campus in 2016.
