Two norovirus outbreaks have been reported at two taco establishments in the the Tacoma area of Washington state, according to Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. There is apparently no link between the two outbreaks. California Tacos, at 14818 Union Avenue SW in Lakewood was closed by the health department on February 26, 2019 for at least 24 hours. Three people in the same group but from separate households reported norovirus symptoms after they ate at tat restaurant. At least two restaurant employees were sick before this outbreak occurred. The outbreak case count was updated on February 27, 2019, with reports of 11 people from three households being sick. Three of the households ate at the restaurant on Sunday, February 24, 2019, and one on Thursday, February 21, 2019. … [Read more...]
Norovirus Outbreak at Boutwells Landing in Oak Park Heights, Minnesota
A norovirus outbreak has sickened dozens of residents at Boutwells Landing in Oak Park Heights, Minnesota. That is a senior living facility. The first illnesses were reported on January 4, 2019. About 10% of the 600 residents and 15% of employees have been sickened, Campus Administrator Wendy Kingbay told the Minneapolis StarTribune. The outbreak has occurred at senior apartments, townhouses, and assisted living apartments. Norovirus is a very contagious pathogen that causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Symptoms appear quickly, usually within a few hours, after a person is infected. Most people are sick for a few days and most recover without a doctor's care. People in high risk groups, including the elderly, may have a more serious illness and may need to be hospitalized. … [Read more...]
Tomales Bay Oyster Norovirus Outbreak Sickens 44 in California
The California Department of Public Health has closed Tomales Bay to oyster harvesting because a norovirus outbreak that has sickened at least 44 people is associated with oysters from that area. The CDPH posted a recall and listed 40 restaurants that may have sold the Hog Island oysters. The restaurants are located in San Francisco, Sonoma, Petaluma, Bolinas, Sacramento, Sebastopol, Napa, and Santa Rosa. The closure was issued on January 3, 2019, according to Dr. Matt Willis, Marin County's public health officer. The state of California has recalled Tomales Bay oysters that were served in 34 restaurants by Hog Island Oyster Company. The illnesses happened between December 29, 2018 and January 5, 2019. The illnesses were in San Francisco. Public health officials interviewed … [Read more...]
Royal Caribbean Norovirus Outbreak Sickens 475 Passengers
Norovirus outbreaks increase during the winter months because more people are together indoors. But some venues, such as nursing homes, schools, and cruise ships, can be struck by this virus at any time. A norovirus outbreak on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship has sickened 475 passengers. The cruise was cut short. It was supposed to be a seven day cruise, leaving Port Canaveral in Florida on January 6, 2019. Apparently, passengers started getting sick after eating a cruise ship-sponsored lunch buffet in Haiti, which was the first stop. The ship is heading back to port. The company plans to clean and sanitize the vessel before its next trip. Norovirus is a contagious virus that causes symptoms of vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, and diarrhea. Some people may experience fever, … [Read more...]
FDA Tells Consumers to Avoid Raw Oysters From Canada for Potential Norovirus
Consumers are advised to avoid eating raw oysters from British Columbia. The FDA posted a notice stating that they and the CDC, along with the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and state partners are investigating a multistate outbreak of norovirus illnesses that are linked to oysters. There is no word yet on how many people may have been sickened in this outbreak, but California has announced that there are at least 100 people sick in that state. The FDA has confirmed that potentially contaminated raw oysters that were harvested in the south and central parts of Baynes Sound in British Columbia were distributed to Alaska, California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York and Washington state. Other states may have also received these oysters either … [Read more...]
About 100 Norovirus Cases in California From Raw British Columbia Oysters
About 100 people are sick in a norovirus outbreak linked to raw oysters from south and central Baynes Sound in British Columbia, Canada as of April 27, 2018. The California Department of Pubic Health (CDPH) is warning consumers to avoid that shellfish. Those sickened ate the oysters at restaurants and purchased them at retailers throughout the state. There are ill persons in California and in Canada. Canada has reported 172 sick in this outbreak. Laboratory testing has confirmed these illnesses. The number of new patients decreased this week, but the investigation is ongoing. Four oysters farms in the south and central Baynes Sound area of British Columbia are linked to the outbreak. Those farms were closed between March 23 and April 13, 2018, and remain closed at this time. All … [Read more...]
FDA Tells Consumers to Avoid Raw Oysters From Baynes Sound, Canada for Possible Norovirus
Canada has had an issue with contaminated oysters for some time. Now the FDA is warning consumers to avoid the potentially contaminated shellfish.The FDA has confirmed that potentially contaminated raw oysters that were harvested in the south and central parts of Baynes Sound, British Columbia, Canada, were distributed to California, Illinois, Massachusetts, and Washington state. These shellfish are linked to a norovirus outbreak in Canada. A traceback investigation is being conducted to discover where the shellfish were distributed, and to make sure they are removed from the food supply. Retailers should not sell raw oysters that were harvested within these harvest locations, also called landfills, in Baynes Sound: #1411206, #1400483, and #278757. Consumers should know that … [Read more...]
Norovirus Outbreak Associated with Raw Oysters in British Columbia
A norovirus outbreak that is associated with raw oysters has been reported in British Columbia, according to the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC). Officials are warning consumers to avoid eating raw oysters to stop this outbreak. Norovirus is a highly contagious disease that causes symptoms of food poisoning. Since early March 2018, about 40 cases have been reported to public health authorities. All of those sickened said they ate raw oysters from British Columbia before they got sick. Lab testing has confirmed that the pathogen responsible for some of those cases is norovirus. In order to kill this virus and other pathogens, the BCCDC recommends that consumers cook oysters thoroughly, to an internal temperature of 90°C (194°F) for 90 seconds. Two oyster … [Read more...]
Norovirus Outbreak at Winter Olympics in Korea Sickens Almost 200
The Olympic host town of PyeongChang in South Korea has been the site of a norovirus outbreak just before and during the Winter Olympics. The Korea Herald states that almost 200 people, mostly support staff and security staff, have been sickened. No athletes have been reported sickened to date. Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes food poisoning symptoms. People suffering from this illness experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The virus spreads quickly among people coming into contact with each other, and is also spread through food, drink, and common contact surfaces. Norovirus can be destroyed with a bleach solution. The latest news is that the cooking water at the lodging facility where private security staff stayed may have been contaminated. Public health … [Read more...]
More Than 400 Sickened in Norovirus Outbreak at El Toro Restaurants in Tacoma, Washington
At least 400 people have been sickened in a norovirus outbreak in Tacoma, Washington that is linked to two El Toro restaurants. Those two restaurants are located at 3820 Bridgeport Way West in University Place, and at 5716 North 26th Street in the Westgate area of the city. Health officials said last week that the outbreak number is now 434 sick. Reports of an outbreak started on January 5, 2018 from patrons who ate there between December 31, 2017 and January 2, 2018. People were experiencing the typical symptoms of norovirus, which included vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. Symptoms usually begin about a day or two after exposure to the pathogenic virus. Lab testing on patient samples identified norovirus in the outbreak in Westgate. Tests are still pending for the illnesses at … [Read more...]
