La Fuente in Renton

More than two dozen people have been sickened with symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea linked to La Fuente in Renton, WA, according to King County health officials.

Image.Transylvania Public Health
Image.Transylvania Public Health

Officials are investigating an outbreak of 28 norovirus-like illnesses from one meal party who became ill after consuming food and beverage from La Fuente on January 25, 2019.

Environmental Health investigators visited the restaurant on January 29. Investigators learned of a possible ill customer at the restaurant on January 25. If this customer was infected with norovirus, this could have contaminated the bathroom area with norovirus. The investigators observed improper handwashing and inadequate handwashing facilities. No employees reported being ill.

The restaurant closed for a thorough cleaning and sanitization. All foods processed prior to the restaurant being cleaned and sanitized were discarded. Investigators reviewed the requirement that ill staff are not allowed to work until they are symptom-free for at least 48 hours, and they will provide education about preventing the spread of norovirus — including proper handwashing and preventing bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.

Investigators revisited the restaurant on January 30 to confirm cleaning and sanitization was completed appropriately. The restaurant was allowed to reopen on January 30 at 5:30pm.

University of Virginia

University of Virginia (UVa) officials said seven people at the school have confirmed cases of norovirus, as reported in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

The UVa Department of Student Health & Wellness advises that anyone with symptoms suggesting norovirus stay home and call Student Health General Medicine at (434) 982-3915.