Two restaurants in Vermont have voluntary closed down after multiple confirmed cases of norovirus infection among customers. An investigation is already underway and the restaurants are set to be cleaned from top to bottom.
Vermont Restaurants' Outbreak
The Vermont Department of Health is currently conducting an investigation on the norovirus outbreaks at two Vermont restaurants, the Upper Deck Pub and Windjammer Restaurant in South Burlington.
A statement given by authorities last Friday, March 23, confirmed nine of the cases of norovirus infection to be related to the Windjammer Restaurant, bringing the total infections for the current outbreak to over 50. Incidentally, the two restaurants involved in the outbreak actually stand on the same street.
So far, the Windjammer Restaurant has been cooperative with authorities as they have voluntarily closed the facilities for 48 hours to conduct a thorough bleach cleaning. All prepared food items will be discarded.
Some employees of the Windjammer Restaurant also presented symptoms of the infection, so authorities and the management are working to make sure that they get tested. They will also be given information on glove use and hand washing.
Speaking about the infections and the close-down, the General Manager of the restaurant, Dan Phelan, told local press that their main concern remains to be the safety of both guests and employees.
Norovirus
Norovirus causes an inflammation of the intestinal lining, the stomach, or maybe even both. Its common symptoms are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, fever, body aches, and headaches. Such symptoms often develop about 12 to 48 hours after exposure, and most of the infected get better within three days.
One of the most important things to remember when caring for an individual with norovirus is to keep them hydrated to replace the fluids lost from vomiting and diarrhea. Further, to prevent infections, hand hygiene, proper food preparation, and surface disinfection are of utmost importance.
Norovirus In Vermont
As mentioned, authorities in Vermont are currently conducting an investigation regarding the outbreak. As a part of the investigation, the Vermont Department of Health requests anyone who has dined at the Windjammer Restaurant between March 11th and 23rd to take a survey.
According to the department, while norovirus infections can occur at any time of the year, in Vermont, it most often occurs during winter months in settings such as care centers, hospitals, schools, restaurants, and correctional facilities. During warmer months, the infection often occurs in locations such as recreational water locations.
