According to the Casper-Natrona County Health Department, the Golden Corral restaurant closed voluntarily for 24 hours to “thoroughly clean and disinfect” the facility. Corporate management proposed the closing to “help break the transmission chain”. The health department states that almost 200 people have reported becoming ill after eating at the restaurant in Casper, Wyoming.
Public health officials have been investigating this outbreak, but the results of the laboratory tests won’t be available for some time. Officials think norovirus is the culprit in this outbreak. The cases fit the pattern, with an illness duration of 24 to 48 hours and symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea, along with fever and headache.
Norovirus is the leading cause of food poisoning in the United States and is very contagious. It is spread person-to-person, and through contaminated surfaces, food, and water. The health department is asking that anyone who has experienced these symptoms contact them at 307-235-9340.
