Two restaurants have been shut down in Redmond, Washington after a gastrointestinal outbreak sickened at least 12 people. Those patients were from a single party who ate at the vendor locations on October 30, 2016. The outbreak was reported to Public Health – Seattle & King County on November 1, 2016.
The two vendors are Mayuri Foods & Video at 2560 152nd Avenue NE, and Mayuri Indian Cuisine at 2115 Bel-Red Road. Both vendors are in Redmond.
There is no laboratory confirmation of the pathogen that caused this outbreak, but officials think norovirus is the cause. The food the patrons ate came from both vendors, but the exact food item that caused the illnesses has not been identified, according to the press release.
Both vendors are working with Public Health to try to solve this outbreak. An inspection of Mayuri Foods & Video found several factors that could have contributed to the outbreak, including failure to wash hands, inadequate handwashing facilities, and inadequate sanitizing of dishes.
No violations or any “contributing factors” were found at Mayuri Indian Cuisine location. But the permits of both of the vendors have been suspended so the owners can correct these issues and allow time for thorough cleaning and sanitizing.
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that is easily spread person to person and through contaminated food. This illness has sudden onset. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhea, and cramps. In addition, patients may also have a low grade fever, chills, and body aches. Dehydration is the most common complication with norovirus, especially among children and the elderly.
To prevent the spread of norovirus, wash your hands well with soap and water after using the bathroom, after changing diapers, and after taking care of someone who is sick. Always wash your hands well before preparing food or drink for others. And if you are sick, especially with an illness that causes vomiting or diarrhea, stay home from work or school until 48 hours has elapsed after the last episode of nausea or vomiting.
