A norovirus outbreak that has sickened to more than 300 people has been linked to food from Mama C’s Donuts and Coffee in Maumee, Ohio, according to the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department. During a news conference, officials also said that 19 people have been sickened through person-to-person contact.
The restaurant is cooperating with the investigation, according to health officials. The facility could reopen this afternoon, after thorough cleaning.
All of those sickened, except those sickened with secondary infections, had eaten food from the restaurant between Augusts 4 and August 8, 2017. Health Commissioner Eric Zgodzinski said, “the issue comes back to when the product stopped being sold and consumed. We’re expecting that to be probably Tuesday. I wouldn’t think we should see a ton more cases, but if we do, then we’ll have to see what’s going on at that point in time.”
According to WTOL-TV in Toledo, three samples taken from the restaurant tested positive for norovirus. If you or anyone you know ate something from Mama C’s Donuts & Coffee recently and have experienced the symptoms of norovirus, please contact the health department at 419-213-4264 or 419-213-4161.
The symptoms of a norovirus infection include abdominal cramps, nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, vomiting, body aches, and fever. This illness is often erroneously called the “stomach flu.” Most people get better without medical treatment, but some can become so dehydrated they need to be hospitalized. There is no word on whether anyone has been hospitalized in this outbreak.
In addition, officials at the Wood County Health District believe that doughnuts from Mama C’s that were sold in two locations in that county are connected to the outbreak. Twelve people are sick with norovirus in that county.
Norovirus is a very contagious virus. It is spread through contaminated food and drink, person-to-person contact, and contact with secondary surfaces. In other words, if a person who is sick touches a light switch, then another person touches that switch and touches their mouth or nose, they can get sick too.
The best way to prevent a norovirus outbreak is to wash your hands well often during the day. Always wash your hands after going to the bathroom, taking care of someone who is sick, especially if they have a vomiting or diarrheal illness, or changing diapers. Wash your hands before you prepare food, before eating, and before serving food to someone. And stay home from work and school if you are sick, especially with diarrhea.
