Canada Area Norovirus Outbreak: As of March 30, 2022, there have been 279 cases of norovirus and gastrointestinal illness linked to consumption of B.C. oysters reported in the following provinces: B.C. (262), Alberta (1), Saskatchewan (1), and Ontario (15). Individuals became sick between mid-January and late March 2022, and no deaths have been reported. Although not all cases of illness have been tested, testing of several cases has confirmed the presence of a norovirus infection.

Some oyster harvest areas in B.C. that have been associated with illnesses in this outbreak have been closed as a part of the investigation. Food recalls were conducted on February 18, March 20, March 23, and March 27, 2022 for oysters from B.C. For more information on the recalled products, please consult the Government of Canada’s Recalls and Safety Alerts website.

The CFIA is continuing its food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products. If other products are recalled, the CFIA will notify the public through updated food recall warnings.

Acute gastrointestinal illnesses such as norovirus illness are common in North America and are very contagious, affecting all age groups. However, pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems, young children and the elderly are at risk for developing more serious complications, like dehydration.

People with norovirus illness usually develop symptoms of gastroenteritis within 24 to 48 hours, but symptoms can start as early as 12 hours after exposure. The illness often begins suddenly. Even after having the illness, you can still become re-infected by norovirus.

The main symptoms of norovirus illness are:

  • diarrhea
  • vomiting (children usually experience more vomiting than adults)
  • nausea
  • stomach cramps

Other symptoms may include:

  • low-grade fever
  • headache
  • chills
  • muscle aches
  • fatigue (a general sense of tiredness)

Most people feel better within one or two days, with symptoms resolving on their own, and experience no long-term health effects. As with any illness causing diarrhea or vomiting, people who are ill should drink plenty of liquids to replace lost body fluids and prevent dehydration. In severe cases, patients may need to be hospitalized and given fluids intravenously. If you have severe symptoms of norovirus, consult your healthcare provider.

The Public Health Agency of Canada is collaborating with federal and provincial public health partners to investigate an outbreak of norovirus and gastrointestinal illnesses involving four provinces: British Columbia (B.C.), Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario.

Based on the investigation findings to date, the outbreak is linked to consumption of raw oysters from B.C. Some oyster harvesting areas in B.C. that have been associated with illnesses in this outbreak have been closed as a part of the investigation. These closures aim to prevent further illness.

Food recalls were conducted on February 18, March 20, March 23, and March 27, 2022 for oysters from B.C. Links to each food recallassociated with this investigation can be found at the end of this public health notice. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is continuing its food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products. If other products are recalled, the CFIA will notify the public through updated food recall warnings.

Do not eat, use, sell, or serve the recalled oysters.

Also, avoid eating raw or undercooked oysters to reduce your risk of foodborne illness and follow proper food handling practices. Cook oysters to an internal temperature of 90° Celsius (194° Fahrenheit) for a minimum of 90 seconds.

The outbreak investigation is ongoing and additional actions to protect public health will be taken as needed. This public health notice will be updated as the investigation evolves.

Minnesota Area Norovirus Outbreak: The Minnesota Department of Health, Hennepin County Public Health, and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture are working with federal officials and public health agencies in other states and Canada to investigate norovirus illnesses associated with oysters harvested from Bay 14-8 in British Columbia.

Twenty-nine Minnesotans have been sickened in this outbreak. They became ill with confirmed or suspected norovirus gastroenteritis after eating raw oysters at Travail Kitchen in Robbinsdale on March 20. The oysters served were Stellar Bay Gold oysters harvested on March 10 from Deep Bay 14-8 CLF #140706 in British Columbia, Canada.

“Travail Kitchen quickly brought the cases to our attention, and immediately stopped serving oysters,” said Duane Hudson, Hennepin County Public Health, Environmental Health manager. “We are grateful to Travail for their help in protecting the public from foodborne illnesses.”

While some parts of the harvest area have been closed, it is likely that oysters from this area are still in the marketplace. With that in mind, officials are urging restaurants and distributors to check shellstock tags and discard oysters from this harvest area. Consumers can ask oyster suppliers or restaurants to check the shellstock tag for the harvest location. Norovirus and other pathogens found in raw oysters can be destroyed by cooking to 145 degrees Fahrenheit before eating.

Symptoms of norovirus typically include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach cramps that begin 12 to 48 hours after ingestion of the virus. There is currently a high level of norovirus illness activity in Minnesota, and most is not associated with eating oysters.

“People with norovirus can spread it to others even after symptoms stop,” MDH Epidemiologist Supervisor Senior Carlota Medus said. “The best way to limit spread is to wash your hands well with soap and water after using the bathroom and before preparing food for others.”

Seattle Area Norovirus Outbreak: Public Health routinely reports the illnesses to Washington State Department of Health (DOH) Shellfish Program, which is responsible for tracking the harvest locations of the oysters implicated in these illnesses. Multiple illnesses tracked to a common growing area may result in the closure of implicated harvest locations or other enforcement actions.

Restaurant/venue/vendor Meal date Number ill Suspected organism
Elliott’s Oyster House
1201 Alaskan Way Pier 56, Seattle		 3/13/2022 1 Norovirus
The Pink Door
1919 Post Alley, Seattle		 3/15/2022 3 Norovirus
The Pink Door
1919 Post Alley, Seattle		 3/15/2022 2 Norovirus
Enzo’s Bistro & Bar
120 NW Gilman Blvd, Issaquah		 3/15/2022 2 Norovirus
Taylor Shellfish
124 Republican St, Seattle		 3/17/2022 3 Norovirus
Enzo’s Bistro & Bar
120 NW Gilman Blvd, Issaquah		 3/17/2022 2 Norovirus
The Pink Door
1919 Post Alley, Seattle		 3/17/2022 4 Norovirus
Goldfinch Tavern at Four Seasons Hotel
99 Union St, Seattle		 3/20/2022 2 Norovirus
Goldfinch Tavern at Four Seasons Hotel
99 Union St, Seattle		 3/21/2022 3 Norovirus
Shucker’s at Fairmont Olympic Hotel
411 University St, Seattle		 3/25/2022 1 Norovirus
Ivar’s Acres of Clams
1001 Alaskan Way Ste. 102, Seattle		 3/25/2022 2 Norovirus
Taylor Shellfish
1521 Melrose Ave, Seattle		 3/26/2022 1 Norovirus

We’ve recently received multiple reports of people getting sick with norovirus-like illness (nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea) after eating raw oysters in restaurants. In just March alone, we’ve received reports of 13 people whose illnesses we believe are linked to eating raw oysters. An additional 14 people became sick after being in close contact with the ill people who ate oysters. Most of the additional illnesses are among family members.

Eating raw oysters can make you sick because they can be contaminated with norovirus and other germs.  While norovirus is not typically a serious illness for healthy people, it can be very unpleasant. In addition, it’s highly contagious, meaning someone who has been infected with norovirus after eating raw oysters can easily pass the virus to their family and friends.

Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is warning consumers to take steps to protect their health following an increase in cases of norovirus associated with consumption of raw B.C. oysters. Since Monday, March 14, more than 50 people have been affected with acute gastrointestinal illness, such as stomach pain, diarrhea or vomiting, after eating raw oysters. Lab testing has confirmed the presence of norovirus in some of the cases and it is suspected in others. The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) has issued a notice to restaurants and retailers in B.C. to advise them of the risk.

Based on an investigation by the BCCDC, local and federal agencies, and the shellfish industry, affected harvest areas are being closed and will reopen when contamination is cleared. Learn more about Norovirus here. In-depth information about how it contaminates the marine environment can be found here.

How to cook oysters

To kill norovirus and other germs it is recommended to cook oysters thoroughly, to an internal temperature of 90 degrees Celsius for 90 seconds before eating. Public health recommends against consuming raw oysters. Avoid cross-contamination of other foods during preparation and eat shellfish immediately after cooking.

Symptoms

Symptoms of norovirus include nausea, cramping, chills, fever, vomiting and diarrhea, and usually occur 12-48 hours after consumption. If you experience these symptoms after eating raw oysters, call BC HealthLink at 811. If symptoms are severe or persist, seek medical attention.

Report your illness

Oyster-related illness should be reported to VCH for investigation by calling (604) 675-3800 or by e-mail to EHVC@vch.ca.

Learn more about the safe consumption of fish and shellfish at http://www.bccdc.ca/health- info/prevention-public-health/fish-shellfish-safety

Two Rivers Public Health District is experiencing an increase of both norovirus and rotavirus cases in the district. In order to prevent the spread of both illnesses between people, Two Rivers strongly recommends taking the following actions:

• Washing hands carefully and frequently
• Staying home when experiencing vomiting and diarrhea
• Careful cleaning of surfaces that have had contact with vomit and diarrhea using an EPA certified cleaning products

Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. People of all ages can get infected and sick with norovirus. People with norovirus illness can shed billions of norovirus particles. Only a few virus particles can make other people sick. Norovirus symptoms usually begin one to two days after exposure to the virus, but can begin as early as twelve hours after exposure. Most people with norovirus usually get better within one to three days.

Rotavirus is a very contagious virus that primarily affects infants and young children. However, people of all ages can get infected. Symptoms of rotavirus usually start about two days after a person is exposed to the virus and can last three to eight days. Rotavirus vaccine can help prevent serious illness in children and is commonly administered starting at 2 months old.

Norovirus and rotavirus outbreaks also frequently occur in schools, childcare centers, colleges, and universities. Both norovirus and rotavirus are spread by accidentally getting tiny particles of feces (poop) or vomit from an infected person in your mouth. Outbreaks on school and university campuses have even led to campus closures. Close quarters, shared spaces, and high-touch surfaces make it easy for norovirus and rotavirus to spread.

If you are experiencing norovirus or rotavirus symptoms, please contact your primary care provider and stay home. Typical symptoms for both norovirus and rotavirus are:

• diarrhea
• vomiting
• nausea
• stomach pain • fever
• headache
• body aches

Seattle-King County Public Health is investigating an outbreak of norovirus-like illness associated with vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and chills at Rock Wood Fired Pizza in Renton, WA.

No hospitalizations or deaths are associated with the 12-case outbreak.   Rock Wood Fired Pizza, located at 830 N. 10th St. in Renton has a “good” current rating for prior food safety inspections.

Public Health currently has 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.

Since February 22, 2022, 9 people from 2 separate meal parties reported becoming ill after eating food from the Rock Wood Fired Pizza between February 19 and 20, 2022.

Public Health has identified three ill employees who reported symptoms consistent with norovirus dating back to February 20, 2022, but who did not work while sick.

Further investigation is ongoing.

Public Health actions

Environmental Health Investigators visited the restaurant on February 23, 2022. Investigators did not find any risk factors that are known to contribute to the spread of norovirus. The restaurant closed on February 23, 2022, to complete a thorough cleaning and disinfection. All ready-to-eat foods were discarded for those processed before the restaurant was disinfected.

Environmental Health investigators again visited the restaurant on February 24 and confirmed proper cleaning and disinfection were completed. The restaurant reopened on February 24, 2022.

Investigators reviewed with restaurant management the requirement that ill staff are not allowed to work until they are symptom-free for at least 48 hours and provided education about preventing the spread of norovirus, including proper handwashing and preventing bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.

Laboratory testing is in process for some of the individuals who reported norovirus-like illnesses. Often in norovirus outbreaks, no laboratory testing is done because people tend to get better within a day or two. Symptoms among those who got sick are suggestive of norovirus.

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.

Public Health  says these measures help reduce the risk of contracting norovirus::

  • Wash hands, cutting boards, and counters used for food preparation immediately after use to avoid cross-contamination of other foods.
  • Wash hands thoroughly with soap after using the bathroom or changing diapers, and before preparing any food or eating.
  • Wait at least 48 hours after the last episode of vomiting and/or diarrhea before preparing any food for others.

Renton is immediately south of Seattle.  Public Health serves about 2.1 million people in the Seattle metropolitan area.

Pittsburgh Carmalt PreK-8 will be closed Monday for cleaning after an apparent norovirus outbreak among students and staff members.

Pittsburgh Public School District spokeswoman Ebony Pugh said the schools, located in the Brookline neighborhood, have been receiving a “high volume” of reports of non-COVID-related illness from students and staff since Thursday.

The district, in consultation with the Allegheny County Health Department, determined the illness is most likely norovirus.

Norovirus is a virus that is transmitted through contact with stool or vomit and touching contaminated surfaces.

On Monday, the district’s maintenance team will clean the building “thoroughly” in order to prevent further infections.

Classes will resume on Tuesday, Dec. 14.

Common symptoms associated with norovirus include diarrhea, vomiting and stomach pain. A loss of energy, mild headache and low-grade fever are sometimes present, the district said.

There is no specific treatment for norovirus and symptoms usually resolve within 24-48 hours.

Norovirus is likely among the reasons behind increased reports of recent illnesses in Wyoming, according to the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH).

People who are sick with norovirus may experience nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, fatigue and dehydration. Other viruses and illnesses caused by bacteria contamination such as from E. coli can cause similar symptoms, but norovirus is the most common culprit.

Commonly described as “stomach flu” or “food poisoning,” norovirus is spread when people eat or drink contaminated food and beverages, touch contaminated surfaces or through close contact with someone already sick.

Matt Peterson, WDH surveillance epidemiologist, said contamination is almost always not obvious. “We’re often talking about extremely tiny amounts of poop or vomit. We can’t see it but it can make us very sick,” he said “When people get ill this way, they most often blame the last thing they ate, but norovirus and bacterial illness can spread through many routes other than just eating food,” Peterson said.

Illness can hit quickly between 12 to 48 hours after a person has been exposed. Symptoms usually last from one to three days and go away without causing long-term problems.

“Norovirus and other illnesses with similar symptoms can be serious when people become dehydrated,” Peterson said. He noted those who become severely ill may need to call or visit a medical professional.  Infants, young children, immune-compromised persons, and persons unable to care for themselves, such as the disabled or elderly, are at higher risk for dehydration and may need hospitalization.

“We are specifically seeing increased reports of E. coli across the state recently compared to previous years, which can be particularly concerning in children under 5,” Peterson said. Parents with children who are suffering from stomach-related symptoms that do not improve after 72 hours, or if their child has bloody diarrhea, should seek medical care for the child because these could be signs of bacterial infection.

“Norovirus illnesses can be prevented,” Peterson said. “It sounds too simple, but, truly, good hand washing is critical. People can still be contagious and spread the virus for a few days after they no longer have symptoms.”

Recommended steps to help prevent illness include:

Frequently wash hands, especially after using the restroom or changing diapers, and before eating or preparing food.

If ill, stay home from work and school, especially if employed in food-handling, healthcare or child care.

Thoroughly clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces immediately after an episode of vomiting or diarrhea with a solution of 1 cup household bleach per 1 gallon of water and letting the solution sit for one minute. Always follow manufacturers’ safety precautions.

Immediately remove and wash contaminated clothing or linens after an episode of illness (use hot water and soap).

Flush or discard any vomit and/or poop in the toilet and keep the surrounding area clean.

Ill persons should take extra care to avoid spreading the virus by minimizing contact with other persons while ill and practicing good hygiene.

At Georgetown University in Washington D.C., Vice President and Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Ranit Mishori, in an update on the Georgetown outbreak, reported that a total of 145 students, faculty and staff have reported symptoms that are consistent with a viral gastroenteritis (Norovirus) over the last two weeks.

Stool samples tested at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and others sent to the DC Department of Health have confirmed the presence of Norovirus. While the bug is known, what is unknown is the source. To date there is no confirmed link to a food source or any of the dining areas on or off campus.

In other college news, in Rochester, New York, a spokesperson with the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)  said approximately 50 students were sickened by Norovirus.  Most cases were resolved within a day or two without the need for medical treatment. 

The Monroe County Department of Public Health on Thursday determined Norovirus as likely responsible for the outbreak on the Henrietta campus.  Again, to date there is no confirmed link to a food source or any of the dining areas on or off campus.

The Utah Department of Health says dozens of people attending business conferences in Park City were confirmed to have contracted Norovirus, a sickness that causes flu-like symptoms.

Officials say people attending two separate business conferences came down with the sickness. They believe the outbreak is over, but they still want everyone to be careful and report suspected cases.

Summit County health officials say the most common place to get the Norovirus is where large groups of people gather. It is often seen occurring on cruise ships. In Park City it occurred at two large business gathering where people ate catered food.

The Utah Department of Health says dozens of people attending business conferences in Park City were confirmed to have contracted Norovirus, a sickness that causes flu-like symptoms.

Officials say people attending two separate business conferences came down with the sickness. They believe the outbreak is over, but they still want everyone to be careful and report suspected cases.

Summit County health officials say the most common place to get the Norovirus is where large groups of people gather. It is often seen occurring on cruise ships. In Park City it occurred at two large business gathering where people ate catered food.