Jalapeños Served at Chipotle and Qdoba Linked to Outbreak

It seems as if everything that is grown in the ground is out to make you sick lately. First, it was lettuce causing illness from the Cyclospora parasite outbreak. The parasite would give unsuspecting victims explosive bowel movements, stomach cramps, bloating, gas, and many other gastrointestinal symptoms.

Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Jalapeños

Now, another vegetable has been linked to over 300 cases of Salmonella. The latest outbreak has been confirmed in 27 states, with 110 confirmed cases in Colorado. The vegetable causing this outbreak is jalapeños from Sinaloa, Mexico, and 36 people have been hospitalized.

macro photography of green chilis

READ MORE: These Chain Restaurants Are Based Out of Colorado

Thankfully, no deaths from the Salmonella-contaminated jalapeños have been reported. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment says that the illnesses were associated with contaminated peppers distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors, primarily to restaurants or wholesale.

Salmonella illnesses in Colorado have been linked to Qdoba and Chipotle Mexican Grill. Both restaurants have stopped serving the affected jalapeños after being notified of the outbreak.

Symptoms of Salmonella Infection

According to the Centers for Disease Control, most people who are infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps six hours to six days after being exposed to the bacteria. Illness from Salmonella can last anywhere from four to seven days, and the majority of people recover without medical treatment. However, some people may need to be hospitalized due to the severity of the illness.

READ MORE: There's A New Parasite Threatening Colorado Residents

Children under the age of 5, adults 65 and older, and people with compromised or weakened immune systems are more likely to have a severe reaction to Salmonella.