The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department has been investigating potential causes after more than 350 people reported becoming sick after eating at the Fayette Mall food court. Results from those who were tested were consistently positive for norovirus.
Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. It can be spread through direct contact with an infected person, by consuming contaminated food or water, or by touching contaminated surfaces then putting your unwashed hands near your mouth.
The best prevention is to wash your hands often and stay home when sick for two days after the symptoms stop. Norovirus can be easily spread from person to person, so it is important to follow these steps (and see the attached images for more guidelines) to prevent its spread.
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Fayette Mall management worked closely with the health department to clean and sanitize the area, including self-closing to prevent further spread and to ensure the public’s safety. All the restaurants have reopened and our Environmental Health inspectors visited the site again today. The health department inspects every restaurant in Lexington at least twice a year as part of its regular duties helping Lexington be well.
