The Georgetown outbreak was norovirus, according to a new update posted on the University web site. In one week, 130 students, faculty, and staff reported symptoms consistent with the infection, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Most of those sickened got better 12 hours after symptom onset, which is consistent with this infection. And while some students were treated at emergency rooms for dehydration, no one was hospitalized. Two isolates teated positive for the virus. The university has been deep cleaning and sanitizing the rooms of patients and all common or shared spaces in the residential facilities. While the outbreak ws ongoing, quarantine meal delivery was initiated so students could eat and avoid dehydration, one of thee common side effects of norovirus, while … [Read more...]
Norovirus Outbreak Associated with the Mazatlan Restaurant in Auburn, WA
A norovirus outbreak associated with the Mazatlan restaurant in Auburn, Washington has sickened at least 13 people. No one has ben hospitalized, according to the Seattle-King County Health Department. An investigation is in progress. The restaurant is located at 110 Cross Street SouthEast in Auburn. The meal date of those sickened was May 21, 2021. The health department is characterizing the illness as "norovirus-like," with typical symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, body aches, and chills. Officials have not yet identified how norovirus was spread within the restaurant. The virus is very contagious and can spread person-to-person, through contact with fomites (hard surfaces), and through contaminated food and drink. The thirteen ill persons were from one meal party. No ill … [Read more...]
Norovirus Outbreak at Gerry’s Donuts in Ellington, Connecticut
A norovirus outbreak at Gerry's Donuts in Ellington, Connecticut has sickened an undetermined number of people, according to a press release issued by the Connecticut Department of Public Health. That agency is collaborating with the North Central District Health Department and the State Laboratory to investigate this outbreak. This is the second norovirus outbreak reported to the health department so far in 2021. The illnesses have been confirmed through lab tests to be caused by norovirus, a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. On May 14, 2021, the North Central District Health Department issued a warning to consumers, telling them to not eat products from that restaurant. That press release stated that they have had "several reports" of gastrointestinal … [Read more...]
Arby’s Norovirus Outbreak in Springfield, Illinois Sickens 92
An Arby's norovirus outbreak in Springfield, Illinois has sickened at least 92 people and the restaurant has closed for a second time in less than a month. That restaurant is located at 3009 South Dirksen Parkway in Springfield. Sangamon County public health officials confirmed to News Channel 20 that norovirus is the cause of the illnesses. Norovirus is an extremely contagious virus that causes symptoms of diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Illness onset is quick, usually within a couple of hours, and the illness resolves quickly, often with a day or two, with patients typically not needing medical attention. The illness is spread person-to-person, through contact with contaminated surfaces, and through contaminated food and drink. The restaurant closed in late February after about … [Read more...]
Raw Oysters Recalled in Canada For Possible Norovirus Contamination
Several brands of raw oysters have been recalled in Canada for possible norovirus contamination. Norovirus causes gastrointestinal illness that is often called the stomach flu. The first recall, of Union Bay Seafood raw oysters, was triggered by an investigation into a foodborne illness outbreak. Illnesses have been reported in association with the consumption of these oysters. Union Bay Seafood is recalling Pacific Oysters for possible norovirus. The recalled products include Pacific Oysters, Chef Creek Xsm, sold in 5 dozen lots. There is no UPC number on the product. The codes on the recalled oysters are: Harvest location: BC 14-8 Landfile: 1402060 Lot: W20200211 Harvest date: 10 Feb. 2020. Also recalled are Pacific Oysters, Cascade Xsm in 5 dozen lots. The codes on that … [Read more...]
Norovirus Outbreak in Lake Charles, Louisiana is Spreading
A norovirus outbreak in the Lake Charles, Louisiana are is spreading into two more parishes: Calcasieu and Vernon Parishes, according to a news release by the Louisiana Office of Public Health. Norovirus is a very contagious virus that spreads easily from person to person. The illness caused by norovirus is mistakenly called the "stomach flu," but norovirus infections are not flu. Symptoms of norovirus include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramps, headache, body aches, a mild fever, and feeling run down. Symptoms usually start a day or two after a person is infected with the virus, and the illness lasts only a few days. Most people recover completely from this infection, although some, especially the elderly and people with chronic illnesses and compromised … [Read more...]
Yosemite Outbreak is Norovirus, According to NPS
The Yosemite outbreak is norovirus, according to the National Park System. The announcement states that about 170 people were sickened with gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea after visiting the park. Those affected include park visitor and employees. Most of those sickened spent time in Yosemite Valley before getting sick. There are two confirmed cases of norovirus among those sickened as of January 16, 2020. Most of the reported case symptoms are consistent with a norovirus infection. Still, Yosemite National Park officials and medical professionals with the National Park Service Office of Public Health are continuing to investigate the outbreak and are still conducting interviews with patients. Officials do not know the exact cause of the outbreak. Most … [Read more...]
Norovirus Was a Contributing Cause of New Hampshire Death at Puritan Backroom
The New Hampshire Office of the Chief Examiner (OCME) has determined that norovirus was a contributing cause of death in a person who lived in Hillsborough county in that state. The unnamed person attended an event at the Puritan Backroom in Manchester, New Hampshire on November 24, 2019. The report was completed after an autopsy was conducted. The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services will not release any more information about the deceased person because of federal and state privacy laws, according to the OCME notice. Eighteen people were allegedly sickened with norovirus after eating at the restaurants' function hall the Sunday before Thanksgiving. The public was not informed about this outbreak at the time. Norovirus is a contagious virus that causes … [Read more...]
Norovirus Outbreak at La Hacienda Restaurant in Madison, WI
About 25 people have been sickened in a norovirus outbreak at La Hacienda restaurant at 515 South Park Street in Madison, Wisconsin, according to news reports. The restaurant was closed on Thursday, May 9, 2019 and remained closed over the weekend as investigators gathered information about the illnesses. The restaurant reopened yesterday, May 14, 2019, after it was cleaned and the investigation was closed. There is no information about the conditions of those sickened or whether or not anyone was hospitalized in this outbreak. Norovirus is very contagious, and can spread through contaminated food and drink, as well as person-to-person contact and contact with contaminated surfaces. The virus causes vomiting and diarrhea with a quick onset. Most people recover within a day or two … [Read more...]
Norovirus Outbreak Associated with Dave and Buster’s in Auburn, WA
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 … [Read more...]
