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A sushi restaurant in North Carolina has been at the center of a norovirus outbreak, with at least 241 people falling ill since late last month, according to local health authorities. All affected individuals had visited Sushi Nine in Raleigh between Nov. 28 and Dec. 5, as reported by Wake County’s public health and environmental services departments.
Wake County Public Health Director Rebecca Kaufman emphasized the vulnerability to norovirus spread, especially during the winter months when holiday gatherings involve extensive meal preparation and catering. Norovirus, causing symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain, is colloquially known as “food poisoning” or “stomach flu.” The highly contagious virus spreads through contaminated seafood, surfaces, water, and unwashed hands, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Mac Schreiber, the manager of Sushi Nine, asserted that the restaurant believes the norovirus transmission originated from an unwell patron rather than the sushi itself. The restaurant voluntarily closed for thorough cleaning on Dec. 5 and reopened on Dec. 8 without new reported cases. Schreiber expressed confidence that the contamination did not arise from the food. Ongoing investigations involve collaboration with customers, restaurant staff, and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) to determine the source and extent of the outbreak.
Norovirus stands as the predominant foodborne illness in the United States, responsible for about 58% of such cases and causing an estimated 20 million illnesses annually. Most outbreaks occur between November and April. Notably, even a few particles of norovirus can induce illness, and infected individuals may shed billions of these particles for days or weeks after recovery. The virus can persist on surfaces for an extended period without adequate cleaning.
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