2013 Outbreak of Norovirus Among Members of a Church Quilting Club, Winona, Minnesota

Members of a church quilting club became ill in November 2013 following a meal at a restaurant located in Winona, Minnesota. A total of 25 group members had eaten at the restaurant on November 15. An investigation was conducted by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and Winona County Environmental Health. Three members of the quilting club and one other restaurant patron (meal date November 14) met the case definition. One case sought medical attention but was not hospitalized. Two stool samples were submitted to the MDH Public Health Laboratory. One specimen was positive for norovirus GII.3. One specimen was negative. Ill members of the quilting group reported eating salads and pie. The case who reported eating at the restaurant on November 14 consumed soup, salad and dessert from the salad bar. In univariate analysis, consuming a salad ordered from the menu and dessert were significantly associated with illness. Twenty-six of 29 employees were interviewed. Two employees reported vomiting and/or diarrhea of 1 day duration on November 3 and November 4, respectively. Another employee reported vomiting on November 14 but was not at the restaurant that day. However, this employee made salads that were served on November 15. During the environmental health assessment, the sanitarian noted extensive bare-hand contact with ready-to-eat foods at the restaurant. Additionally, one employee was observed not washing their hands between the handling of drirty dishes, clean dishes, and ready-to-eat foods. Investigators concluded this was a norovirus outbreak at a restaurant in Winona, Minnesota. Ill food handlers were suspected as the source of contamination.

Overview

Outbreak began:November 2013
Affected country:US
States/territories:MN
Pathogen:Norovirus
Vehicle(s):Ill foodhandler
Location(s):Restaurant
Molecular test results:yes

Health impact

Total ill:4

Sources & documents

Outbreak documents