A norovirus outbreak linked to a Carrabba’s restaurant in Lansing, Mich. has ended after sickening more than 100 people, according to the Barry-Eaton District Health Department (BEDHD). The outbreak occurred May 7 and May 8, 2016 at the Carrabba’s on West Saginaw Highway in Lansing.
Lab tests have confirmed that the cause of the outbreak was norovirus, but the origin of the contamination was not identified. After learning of reports of illness on May 10th , Carrabba’s closed voluntarily to thoroughly clean and disinfect the restaurant.
Norovirus is the most common cause of food poisoning outbreaks in the United States. It is highly contagious causing diarrhea and vomiting that lasts one to two days.
“Norovirus and other stomach bugs can survive for days on surfaces such as doorknobs and table tops; when people touch these contaminated surfaces, they then can then transfer the stomach bugs to their mouths,” said Robert Schirmer, MD, Medical Director for BEDHD. Because people can transmit the disease for two days after symptoms resolve, public health officials recommend that during an outbreak, affected persons remain home from school or work for 48 hours after symptoms resolve.
