In the same month CDC initiated a call to action for state and federal governments to collaborate to fight an increase in multistate foodborne illnesses, two E. coli outbreaks are sweeping across the nation. The first outbreak involved a string of Chipotle restaurants in the Pacific Northwest. This cluster of illnesses with the same E. coli strain was initially believed to be localized to Washington and Oregon, though it has now spread to four additional states: Ohio, New York, California and Minnesota.
A total of 45 people are reported to have been infected with the outbreak strain. At this time, investigators say the evidence suggests a common meal item or ingredient served at Chipotle restaurants is likely the source of the outbreak. However, a specific source of the bacteria has yet to be found.