About 90 people have been sickened with norovirus after attending a private meeting at the Oregon Zoo last week. The meeting of Women’s HealthCare Associates was attended by more than 200 people. Oregon Live reports that norovirus is “the most likely culprit.”
Norovirus is extremely contagious and usually spreads person-to-person, or through food contaminated by someone who is infected with the virus. Outbreaks linked to that virus become more common in the cold weather months, when people spend more time indoors. Zoo staff was in charge of catering the event.
No one has been hospitalized, but several people have reported being very ill. Those at the meeting were served breakfast, which included fruit and pastries. The Oregon state public health lab is waiting for tests to try to pinpoint the source of the virus. The symptoms of norovirus include vomiting and diarrhea. The virus is very contagious and can be passed person-to-person, through contact with contaminated surfaces, and through contaminated food and beverages.
