boston Officials: Norovirus present at Chipotle

Associated Press

BOSTON

More than 120 Boston College students have fallen ill, and public-health officials said Wednesday that norovirus was found at a Chipotle restaurant at the center of the outbreak.

The Boston Public Health Commission said lab testing has confirmed the presence of the gastrointestinal illness, which causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, at the Chipotle restaurant in the city’s Cleveland Circle neighborhood, near the Boston College campus.

Boston College’s director of university health services also said Wednesday that the number of impacted students continues to climb after initial reports surfaced Monday.

More than 120 students, including members of the men’s basketball team, have now reported norovirus-like symptoms, according to Dr. Thomas Nary. Nearly all say they ate at the Chipotle restaurant near campus, he said.

City health officials say they’ve only been able to confirm 80 cases, including Boston College students and other restaurant patrons. The restaurant remains closed as the investigation continues.

Boston College says it’s also taking precautions, including ending salad bars and other self-service food areas in its dining halls as of noon Wednesday.