In November 2011, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Hennepin County Human and Public Health Department (HSPHD) investigated an outbreak of norovirus among persons who attended a wedding rehearsal dinner held at a restaurant on November 18 and a catered wedding reception held on November 19. After interviewing cases, investigators concluded that the incubation periods and reported symptoms suggested the rehearsal dinner meal was the most likely source of the outbreak.

Thirteen wedding guests were interviewed. Eight people met the case definition. No one was hospitalized and no one died. Cases reported eating a variety of foods at the rehearsal dinner including several appetizers, Caesar salad, a choice of three entrees, and a coconut cake. Only 5 controls were interviewed which precluded a conclusive statistical analysis of specific food exposures.

Seventy-seven employees were interviewed and screened for recent illness. Four employees reported recent gastrointestinal illness. None reported being symptomatic at the time of the rehearsal dinner. Two employees had illness onset on November 20; the other two had illness onset on November 21. Minnesota Department of Environmental Health sanitarians noted overall compliance with food code requirements for food preparation.

Investigators concluded that the outbreak might be attributed to illness transmission among workers at the restaurant, but this was not confirmed.