An outbreak of illness among patrons of the Coho Café in Issaquah, Washington, sparked an investigation by public health officials, which is now being reported.
All had symptoms suggestive of norovirus infection, according to Seattle-King County Public Health. Police were unable to find any specific food or drink that may have caused the outbreak, which included six people.
Symptoms reported by infected people include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and chills. No employees were found to be sick at the restaurant.
“After the initial reports of illness, environmental health inspectors visited the restaurant on March 27, 2024. Norovirus, a very common cause of gastrointestinal illness, was suspected, so we contacted the restaurateur. We have instructed them to carry out thorough cleaning and disinfection,” the report said. Department of Health.
“During our visit, we observed employees putting on gloves before washing their hands, which is a potential risk factor for spreading the disease. We discussed handwashing with our staff. We also provided education on preventing the spread of norovirus. Precautions include proper handwashing, avoiding bare-hand contact with ready-to-eat foods, and proper cleaning and disinfection.”
Health department staff revisited the restaurant on April 10 and found that proper cleaning and sanitizing practices were in place, along with good handwashing practices.
The health department then received another report of someone feeling unwell, and environmental health inspectors visited the restaurant again on April 24, and all staff at the restaurant were interviewed about symptoms of illness. The health inspector also asked all remaining staff to confirm with management that they are not sick before starting their next shift. We directed his second round of deep cleaning and disinfection and helped update our staff illness policy to meet food standards requirements.
Health department officials reviewed the restaurant's practice of allowing employees with gastrointestinal illnesses to return to work. Staff must wait at least 24 hours after symptoms have stopped before returning to work. If the illness is suspected to be norovirus, staff must wait at least 48 hours after symptoms have stopped before returning to work.
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