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Norovirus outbreak associated with Stoneburner restaurant
| AT-A-GLANCE | |
|---|---|
| Cases | 9 |
| Hospitalizations | 0 |
| Deaths | 0 |
| Status | Investigation is completed |
| Location | Stoneburner restaurant 5214 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107 |
| Meal Date Range | August 11, 2024 – August 14, 2024 |
| Illness Onset Date Range | August 12, 2024 – August 16, 2024 |
| Current Inspection Rating | Good |
Summary
Public Health investigated an outbreak of norovirus-like sickness associated with Stoneburner restaurant in Seattle. We identified multiple people who reported signs of norovirus after eating food at the restaurant. Norovirus is a very common cause of stomach sickness. Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and chills. Norovirus can spread very easily through contaminated food, surfaces, and from person to person.
This outbreak is over, and our investigation is complete.
Illnesses
Between August 20, 2024, and October 10, 2024, we learned of nine people that became sick after eating food from Stoneburner restaurant. We found out that at least two workers had signs of norovirus-like sickness during that time. While no workers worked while sick, they may have been contagious without realizing it. Norovirus can spread even when someone is mildly sick or has no signs of being sick.
Public Health actions
On August 21, 2024, we closed Stoneburner restaurant so they could do a thorough cleaning and disinfection. We then visited the restaurant on August 22, 2024, to make sure they did that cleaning. During this visit, we also learned that workers had signs of norovirus on or before the sick customers meal dates. We told the restaurant that workers who are sick with norovirus-like sickness cannot work until they have no signs for at least 48 hours. We also gave them information about how to stop the spread of norovirus in their restaurant — including correct handwashing and using gloves (no contact with bare hands) with ready-to-eat foods.
On September 12, 2024, we returned to the restaurant to ensure proper cleaning, disinfection, and handwashing practices were being followed. We found that they were following the proper practices.
Laboratory testing
We do not have laboratory testing for the people who got sick, which is common for sickness like this that don’t last very long. Signs among those who got sick were like norovirus, but there could have been a different cause.