As of December 1, 2022, the Tazewell County Health Department of Tremont, Illinois, is conducting an investigation of a norovirus outbreak linked to Monical's Pizza, located at 6 Cherry Tree Shopping Center in Washington, Illinois.
Three cases of norovirus infection have been laboratory confirmed. The dates of illness onset for those infected began on November 21 to November 26, 2022. Local health department investigators have epidemiological evidence that confirms high-touch surfaces as the vehicle of transmission.
Up to 155 restaurant patrons have been contacted by the health department to participate in their investigation. Many will be interviewed as this investigation unfolds. Anyone who ate within the infection period and experienced symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting, are encouraged to complete the Tazewell County Health Department on-line foodborne illness form.
What is the Norovirus?
Norovirus, commonly called “the stomach flu”, is the most prevalent foodborne illness. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that Norovirus causes 21 million cases of acute gastroenteritis in the U.S each year. Norovirus is transmitted primarily through a fecal-oral route, person-to-person or through contamination of food or water.
What are symptoms of Norovirus?
Symptoms of Norovirus usually begin 12 to 48 hours after being exposed and typically last for about 1 to 3 days.
Symptoms include:
- Sudden onset of vomiting and watery diarrhea
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Abdominal cramps
- Fever
Norovirus causes a relatively short, intense illness in healthy individuals. However, in some cases, severe dehydration, malnutrition, and even death can result from Norovirus infection, especially among children, the elderly and immune-compromised adults.
Noroviruses can cause extended outbreaks because of their high infectivity, persistence in the environment, resistance to common disinfectants, and difficulty in controlling their transmission through routine sanitary measures. In addition, Norovirus has evolved to avoid the immune system, which results in outbreaks. There is no specific treatment available for Norovirus.
Marler Clark, Inc., P.S., the Norovirus lawyers have unmatched experience representing victims of foodborne illness. Our Norovirus lawyers have represented thousands of victims of notable Norovirus outbreaks. Marler Clark is the only firm in the nation with a practice focused exclusively on plaintiff foodborne illness litigation.
If you or a family member became ill with a Norovirus infection after consuming food and you are interested in pursuing a legal claim, contact the Marler Clark Norovirus attorneys for a free case evaluation.
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