2013 Outbreak of Norovirus Linked to Oysters in Barnstable County, Massachusetts

Public health investigators learned of gastrointestinal illnesses in multiple individuals after three separate events were held in June 2013. Illnesses were reported among attendees of a wedding rehearsal dinner held at Wayside Inn in Chatham, MA on June 14, a private birthday party held at the Port Restaurant in Harwich, MA on June 15, and diners at Mattakeese Wharf in Barnstable, MA on June 17. the epidemiologic investigation implicated raw oysters harvested from a single Massachusetts harvester, Chatham Fish and Lobster. Human stool specimens and oysters collected from the harvest bed and from the Wayside Inn were positive for norovirus G1.4.

Overview

Outbreak began:June 2013
Affected country:US
States/territories:MA
Pathogen:Norovirus
Vehicle(s):Oysters
Location(s):Restaurant
Brand name(s):Port Restaurant, Mattakeese Wharf, Wayside Inn, Chatham Fish and Lobster
Molecular test results:GI.4

Health impact

Total ill:32

Sources & documents

Outbreak documents