RALEIGH – Hundreds became sick after eating at Sushi Nine in Raleigh – possibly with norovirus, our partners at WTVD report.
241 people said they became ill after eating in a restaurant. Each person ate at Sushi Nine between November 28th and December 5th.
WTVD said health officials spoke to 170 customers and requested stool samples to confirm whether the illness was norovirus. Only three people said yes, but all came back positive.
The first person called in sick in Wake County on Dec. 1, WTVD said.
Read more
The virus is highly contagious and causes people to become ill shortly after coming into contact with a contaminated or infected person, food or surface.
[ ALSO READ: What are the symptoms of the ‘stomach flu’ spreading around the country now? ]
Sushi Nine voluntarily closed the restaurant on December 5 to conduct a deep cleaning. The restaurant reopened three days later.
WTVD reports that Wake County is conducting ongoing investigations to identify all sources of exposure. According to officials, customers ate several different items on the menu, so it is unclear which foods caused the outbreak.
Since the restaurant reopened, no one has reported getting sick, WTVD said.
Anyone who visited Sushi Nine between Nov. 28 and Dec. 5 and became ill should call Wake County Public Health at 919-250-1029.
[ ALSO READ: Rise in respiratory virus symptoms sends more people to the ER ]
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the following are symptoms of norovirus:
- Diarrhea
- Vomit
- stomach pain
- nausea
- Headache
- Fever
- Body aches
- Dehydration
Ways to avoid contracting the virus and similar viruses include:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Hand sanitizers don’t have much effect when it comes to norovirus.
- Wash fruits and vegetables well and cook shellfish and oysters thoroughly.
- Clean and disinfect your kitchen and other surfaces regularly, especially if someone is sick.
- Try not to prepare or handle food when sick. After your symptoms subside, wait two days before providing medical care to others or preparing food.
- Wash clothing or other items immediately if someone is sick and uses them.
To learn more about norovirus, click here.
(SEE BELOW: 5 West Nile Virus Cases Reported in North Carolina)
This browser does not support the video element.