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Gastrointestinal Illness In Cuyahoga County(December 21, 2007) -
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Kippes (216) 857-1430
or Terry Allan (216) 857-2115
Gastrointestinal illness affects Cuyahoga County residents The Cuyahoga County Board of Health (CCBH) is currently investigating a gastrointestinal illness cluster associated with Blake’s Seafood Restaurant and Bar in Chagrin Falls. To date, we have learned that approximately 100 patrons who dined at the facility between December 12th -15th experienced nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramping following their meal. These symptoms are consistent with Norovirus. Health department staff is attempting to collect specimens from several ill individuals for laboratory testing. Norovirus represents a group of viruses that cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes stomach cramping. It is often referred to as “stomach flu”. This illness is very contagious and can easily be spread from person to person. It is spread in the stool and vomit of persons who are infected with the virus. The symptoms usually last 1 to 2 days and most people recover without any problems. People infected with norovirus are contagious from the moment they begin feeling ill to at least 3 days after recovery. It is important for people with norovirus to drink plenty of liquids to stay hydrated. Special medical attention may be necessary if dehydration occurs, especially among the very young, the elderly, and persons with weakened immune systems. Restaurant management is cooperating with the Board of Health in dealing with this matter. They have taken preventive actions such as kitchen disinfection, education regarding proper food handling, and implementing strict employee illness policies. At this time, the investigation is ongoing. The Cuyahoga County Board of Health will provide further details on the investigation as more information becomes available. “Two easy and important measures people can take to protect themselves from viral illnesses are to frequently wash your hands and to cover coughs and sneezes. It is also important for persons who are ill to stay home to reduce the risk of spreading these types of illness to others”, said Terry Allan, Health Commissioner. Furthermore, it is common for norovirus activity to increase this time of year. Over the past couple of weeks the Board of Health has had confirmation of several norovirus clusters throughout various settings including: nursing homes, hospitals, day cares, and schools. Additionally, we have had reports of other gastrointestinal illness clusters in the area. Although these illness clusters have not been confirmed for norovirus to date, signs and symptoms are consistent with norovirus-like illness. The general public can visit the health department website at:
www.ccbh.net for information on norovirus.
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