By NewsDesk  @infectiousdiseasenew

Public Health — Seattle & King County reports investigating  an outbreak of norovirus-like illness with vomiting, diarrhea, body aches, and chills associated with Habit Burger Grill in Shoreline.

Image/CDC

Since May 24, 2021, 23 people from 6 unrelated meal parties reported becoming ill after consuming food from Habit Burger Grill from May 21-May 24, 2021. No ill employees have yet been identified.

Health officials have not identified how norovirus was spread within the restaurant. This is not uncommon for norovirus outbreaks because the virus can spread through multiple contaminated food items, environmental surfaces, and from person to person.

Environmental Health investigators visited the restaurant on May 26, 2021. Investigators did not find any risk factors that are known to contribute to the spread of norovirus. The restaurant was required to conduct a thorough cleaning and disinfection. Investigators revisited the restaurant on May 28 and conducted onsite food safety and employee illness training with staff and reinforced cleaning, disinfection, handwashing, and no bare hand contact with ready to eat foods. Investigators will revisit the restaurant within two weeks to ensure ongoing compliance with proper food handling practices.

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that frequently spreads person-to-person and is often associated with food. Norovirus illness often has a sudden onset of nausea and vomiting and/or watery diarrhea with cramps. A low-grade fever, chills, and body aches sometimes occur.

Norovirus rarely causes severe complications. Dehydration is the most common complication, particularly among young children and the elderly. No vaccine is available for norovirus.