Health officials in the American state of Minnesota are currently tracing the source of several salmonella cases that started occurring in first week of September. Food being served in Chipotle restaurants in the state is suspected to be the source of the bacteria.

Chipotle representatives have given their utmost cooperation during the probe, according to Minnesota Health Department spokesperson Doug Schultz.

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The spokesperson told the press that the restaurant has already replaced most of the suspected source of the contamination. However, both company and health officials are yet to pinpoint the specific food item that caused the outbreak.

State health officials have so far revealed that around 45 people are confirmed to have caught Salmonella this month.

Health regulators found out that Chipotle food served in more than a dozen restaurants was contaminated with the bacteria. It is believed that most of the victims became infected with the bacteria between August 16 and 26. The youngest patient is 15 years old while the oldest is 67. Slightly more than half of the infected are men. Cases of Salmonella in Minnesota is not uncommon. Health officials said that more than 700 persons are infected annually, according to Star Tribune.

Chipotle issued a public statement reiterating their commitment to keeping the health of their clients a paramount concern. The announcement also mentioned they are cooperating with the current investigation by Minnesota health regulators. Aside from the contaminated food in Chipotle, cucumbers being served and sold in various restaurants and produce vendors have been identified as the source of a particular Salmonella strain.

People infected with Salmonella will only feel the effects and symptoms at least one week after eating the contaminated food. State epidemiologist Dana Eikmeier advised people who experience stomach aches within three days after eating food served in Chipotle to go see a doctor. It is also probable many would not need hospitalization.

Salmonella symptoms can include abdominal pains and diarrhea as well as fever. In certain cases, the bacteria can develop into meningitis. People who do not have an immune system strong enough to fight off the bacteria, the elderly, or those severely sick, face the risk of dying from the bacteria.

State officials have assured the Minnesota population that the Salmonella outbreak is well under control.

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