Outbreak News
Norwalk virus hits 32 at Mexican restaurant
GRANTS PASS, OREGON
The Associated Press
January 21, 2005
At least 32 people were sickened, apparently with the Norwalk virus, after eating at a Grants Pass restaurant, health authorities said.
Dr. Paul Cieslak, communicable disease manager at the Oregon Department of Human Services, said that lab results will not be back for a few days.
People stricken ate at the Si Casa Flores restaurant Jan. 6-8. Health officials say that there no longer is a risk in eating there.
Cieslak said that Oregon typically has about 100 cases per year and that it is the most common form of food-borne illness.
"Usually, it's from a sick human who has diarrhea, doesn't wash their hands and prepares some food and gets the virus into the food," Cieslak said.
"There's always a possibility food came into the restaurant contaminated. We never did identify which food it was."
Norwalk's symptoms begin 24 to 48 hours after ingestion and typically last a day, Cieslak said. There is no long-term risk.
Symptoms include intense vomiting and diarrhea, Cieslak said.
More on this outbreak: Si Casa Flores Norovirus Outbreak
