Chipotle Grill Hepatitis A Litigation
As of early May, 2008, more than twenty people who ate the the La Mesa, CA Chipotle Grill between March 1 and April 22 have tested positive for Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) infection. More than a dozen victims have contacted Marler Clark, and the first lawsuit was filed on May 6 2008 against Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc., in San Diego County Superior Court. The plaintiff, a San Diego man, became infected with hepatitis A after eating food from the La Mesa Chipotle Grill in March and April. The lawsuit states that the developed symptoms of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection on April 24, 2008, and required medical attention on April 25 and May 2, when his blood tested positive for hepatitis A.
Hepatitis A is a food borne virus that can be passed by infected food handlers to consumers. The virus attacks the liver, and symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, dark urine, fever, chills, fatigue, body aches, loss of appetite, and later on, jaundice. In extreme cases, liver failure can result. The virus has a long incubation period, and symptoms may not appear for fifteen to fifty days. San Diego health officials continue to urge anyone who ate at the Chipotle Grill during the infection window (5/1/08-4/22/08) to get tested for Hepatitis A.
