An outbreak of E. coli that temporarily shuttered 43 Chipotle restaurants in the Pacific Northwest has now been expanded to include three additional states including New York. The Centers for Disease Control released an update about the Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli infections, revealing that six states are now linked to the outbreak that has sickened at least 45 people when it was first reported last month.

As of today, at least one person in New York state has been sickened in Amherst, NY. According to the CDC: "The epidemiologic evidence available at this time suggests that a common meal item or ingredient served at Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants in several states is a likely source of this outbreak." Of the 45 people who reported illness, 43 reported to have eaten at a Chipotle Mexican Grill within a week of getting sick. So far, the worst cluster has been reported in Washington State (26), followed by Oregon (13). California (2), Minnesota (2) and Ohio (1) have also been affected. No deaths have been reported as a result of the outbreak.

Officials have yet to conclude what specific food item is linked to the illness, which may reveal why Chipotle corporate has been overly cautious in closing stores to prevent further victims. Chipotle officials tell us they believe the "source of the problem appears to have been contained during a period in late October" and say that they're taking further steps to ensure food safety in their restaurants. Now if someone could just save us from ourselves.