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Norovirus-like illness associated with La Fuente in Renton
| AT-A-GLANCE | |
|---|---|
| Cases | 11 |
| Hospitalizations | 0 |
| Deaths | 0 |
| Status | Investigation is complete |
| Location | La Fuente, 3221 NE Sunset Blvd, Renton, WA 98056 |
| Meal dates | April 10 and April 12, 2022 |
| Prior food safety inspections and current rating? | EXCELLENT |
Highlights, updated May 19, 2022
Summary
Public Health investigated an outbreak of norovirus associated with vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and chills at La Fuente in Renton.
Illnesses
Since April 13, 2022, 11 people from 3 separate meal parties reported becoming ill after eating food from La Fuente on April 10 and April 12, 2022. We did not identify any ill employees.
Public Health actions
Environmental Health Investigators visited the restaurant on April 15, 2022. Investigators identified improper handwashing and glove use which are risk factors that are known to contribute to the spread of norovirus. The restaurant closed on April 15, 2022, to complete a thorough cleaning and disinfection.
Environmental Health Investigators revisited the restaurant on April 16 and confirmed proper cleaning and disinfection was completed. The restaurant was reopened on April 16, 2022.
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
One individual who reported symptoms tested positive for Norovirus. 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.
About Norovirus
- Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that frequently spreads person-to-person and is often associated with food. Norovirus illness often has a sudden onset of nausea and vomiting and/or watery diarrhea with cramps. A low-grade fever, chills, and body aches sometimes occur.
- Norovirus rarely causes severe complications. Dehydration is the most common complication, particularly among young children and the elderly. No vaccine is available for norovirus.
Prevention
General advice for reducing risk of contracting norovirus:
- Wash hands, cutting boards, and counters used for food preparation immediately after use to avoid cross-contamination of other foods.
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap after using the bathroom or changing diapers, and before preparing any food or eating.
- Wait at least 48 hours after the last episode of vomiting and/or diarrhea before preparing any food for others.
More information about Norovirus
- Norovirus facts, Public Health – Seattle & King County
- Norovirus facts, Foodsafety.gov