Translate
Norovirus outbreak associated with Seastar Restaurant & Raw Bar in Bellevue
| AT-A-GLANCE | |
|---|---|
| Cases | 16 |
| Hospitalizations | 0 |
| Deaths | 0 |
| Status | Investigation is complete |
| Location | Seastar Restaurant & Raw Bar 205 108th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004 |
| Meal Date Range | October 18, 2025 |
| Illness Onset Date Range | October 19, 2025, to October 20, 2025 |
| Current Inspection Rating | Needs to improve |
Summary
Public Health investigated an outbreak of norovirus associated with Seastar Restaurant & Raw Bar in Bellevue. Norovirus spreads easily through contaminated food, surfaces, and from person to person.
This outbreak appears to be over, and our investigation is complete.
Illnesses
Since October 22, 2025, 16 people reported becoming sick after dining at the restaurant on October 18, 2025. The sick people were part of two separate, large meal groups. Sick people reported symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, chills, and headache.
We also found multiple restaurant workers who reported being sick with signs consistent with norovirus dating back to October 8, 2025.
Public Health actions
On October 24, 2025, we visited the restaurant and found several problems that could increase the risk of spreading norovirus.
These problems included:
- No clear system to prevent workers from working when sick
- No process to notify Public Health when they learn about customers getting sick after eating at the restaurant
- Workers touching ready-to-eat foods with bare hands instead of using gloves or utensils
- Handwashing stations not properly stocked with supplies like paper towels
- Some uncleaned food surfaces or surfaces not sanitized properly
The restaurant cooperated with Public Health and voluntarily closed on October 24 to fix these issues. They did a deep clearing of the kitchen and dining area. After a follow-up inspection confirmed they fixed these issues, the restaurant was allowed to reopen on October 27, 2025.
We provided training on food safety and restaurant sanitation, instructions to make sure workers don't work while sick, and described how to report to Public Health when they hear about customers becoming sick after eating at their restaurant. On November 4, 2025, we returned to the restaurant to ensure proper cleaning, disinfection, and handwashing practices were being followed. We found that the restaurant was following the proper food safety practices.
Laboratory testing
Two of the people who became sick tested positive for norovirus.
About Norovirus
- Norovirus is the most common cause of vomiting and diarrhea, and foodborne illness in the United States.
- Anyone can get infected and sick with norovirus, which spreads easily and quickly.
- If you have norovirus illness, you can feel extremely sick, and vomit or have diarrhea many times a day. This can lead to dehydration, especially in young children, older adults, and people with other illnesses. Children who are dehydrated may cry with few or no tears and be unusually sleepy or fussy.
- A person usually develops symptoms 12 to 48 hours after being exposed to norovirus. Most people with norovirus illness get better within one to three days, but they can still spread the virus for a few days after.
- No vaccine is available for norovirus.
Prevention
Protect yourself and others from norovirus:
- Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom or changing diapers, and before preparing any food or eating
- Wash cutting boards, and counters used for food preparation immediately after use to avoid cross-contamination of other foods
- Rinse fruits and vegetables
- Cook shellfish thoroughly
- Stay home when sick and for two days after symptoms stop
- Avoid preparing food for others when sick and for two days after symptoms stop
More information about Norovirus
- Norovirus facts, Public Health – Seattle & King County
- Norovirus facts, Foodsafety.gov