Second person ill from Loudoun County Chipotle

STERLING, VA. – A second person has tested positive for norovirus after eating at a Virginia Chipotle before it was temporarily closed last week following reports of illnesses.

Loudoun County Health Department Director David Goodfriend says two people have tested positive for norovirus. Goodfriend said in an earlier interview that a second confirmed case would give a strong indication that norovirus was behind the reported illnesses.

Chipotle reopened the Sterling eatery Wednesday after a “complete sanitization”, according to officials with the company. Though the company said it was dealing with the situation promptly and its food was safe to eat, Chipotle stock prices fell sharply following the incident.

Norovirus is a leading cause of illnesses from contaminated food.

Goodfriend says some of those sickened last were Chipotle employees. More information related to the incident is expected to be released by the Loudoun County Health Department later this week.