Norovirus-like illness associated with Taste ToGo Banh Mi in Kent

Highlights, posted April 7, 2023

Summary

Public Health investigated an outbreak of norovirus-like illness associated with vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and chills at Taste ToGo Banh Mi in Kent. We identified one ill employee who reported symptoms consistent with norovirus who worked while contagious on February 26 and 27, 2023. Norovirus can spread through multiple contaminated food items, environmental surfaces, and from person to person.

Illnesses

Seven people from one meal party reported becoming ill after purchasing food from Taste ToGo Banh Mi on February 26, 2023. The food was eaten on February 27, 2023, and all members of the meal party developed one or more symptoms consistent with norovirus-like illness, including vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and chills.

Public Health actions

These illnesses were reported on March 2, 2023. Environmental Health Investigators visited the restaurant on March 3, 2023. Investigators identified inadequate access to hand washing facilities. The restaurant closed the same day to complete a thorough cleaning and disinfection.

Environmental Health Investigators revisited the facility on March 6 and verified proper compliance with cleaning and disinfection. The restaurant reopened after reinspection that same day.

Investigators reviewed with restaurant management the requirement that ill staff are not allowed to work until they are symptom-free for at least 48 hours and provided education about preventing the spread of norovirus — including proper handwashing and preventing bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.

Laboratory testing

We did not have laboratory testing for the people who got sick. Often in norovirus outbreaks, no laboratory testing is done because people tend to get better within a day or two. Symptoms among those who got sick are suggestive of norovirus-like illness.