A norovirus outbreak associated with Dave and Buster’s restaurant at 1101 Outlet Collection Way SW, Suite 1057, in Auburn, Washington has sickened at least 12 people, according to King County Public Health. Since April 5, 2019, five people from a single party reported illnesses after eating at that facility on March 31, 2019.
Since then, at least 7 employees of that restaurant have been reported ill with the same symptoms. At least one employee worked while ill with norovirus-like symptoms, according to public health officials.
Officials have not discovered how norovirus spread throughout the restaurant. The virus is extremely contagious, and can spread through contaminated food and beverages, through contact with surfaces, and person-to-person.
Officials from Environmental Health visited the restaurant on April 5, 2019 and discovered that employees were sick. Ill persons were at the facility on March 30, 2019. One person vomited in the play area and another vomited in a restroom. Investigators stated that “the restaurant’s cleaning solution was not adequate to kill norovirus on surfaces.”
Dave and Buster’s closed on April 5, 2019, and remained closed for several days for cleaning and disinfection. All ready-to-eat foods that were processed before the facility closed were thrown out. Investigators made sure that managers knew that ill staff are not allowed back to work until they have been free from symptoms for 48 hours.
The restaurant was re-inspected on April 6, 2019, to ensure that the facility was properly cleaned. And a third visit was conducted on April 8, 2019. The restaurant was allowed to reopen on April 8, 2019. The facility will be inspected again in two weeks to make sure it is in compliance with food safety rules and laws.
The symptoms of a norovirus infection include nausea, vomiting, and watery diarrhea. Symptoms begin suddenly. The illness usually lasts a few days, and most people recover without any serious complications.
To prevent norovirus infections, stay home from work or school if you are sick, especially if you have diarrhea. Wash your hands well with soap and water after using the bathroom and before preparing and eating foods.
