According to the Sacramento Bee, county officials at the Sacramento Department of Health and Human Services are investigating a possible norovirus outbreak at Mulvaney’s B&L restaurant. The possible restaurant food poisoning outbreak occurred after people at at the restaurant on February 23, February 25, and February 26, 2013. Twenty people reported being ill at that time.
Two people connected to the restaurant have tested positive for norovirus. No further incidents were reported in connection with the restaurant, and it was disinfected after customers reported becoming ill. If the outbreak is confirmed, the restaurant may have to undergo reviews of its food safety and sanitation practices.
Norovirus sickens at least 21 million Americans every year. It is extremely contagious and is transmitted via person to person contact, through contaminated food and water, and by people touching contaminated surfaces. Outbreaks are more common in the winter, when people spend more time indoors. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Most people recover quickly, but some must be hospitalized because of dehydration. Norovirus kills about 800 Americans every year.
