2014 Outbreak of Norovirus Involving Multiple Events and a Common Food Service Establishment, Connecticut
In September 2014 the Connecticut Department of Public Health was notified of gastrointestinal illness among attendees of two separate catered events. The first event (Group 1) was held at a residence and attended by approximately 60 persons. The second event (Group 2) was a luncheon held on the same day and 11 persons attended. A total of 39 persons in the two groups met the case definition. Onsets of illness ranged from September 22-25, 2014. Five people sought medical attention. There were no hospitalizations and no deaths. Analysis of foods consumed showed that eating any sandwich or wrap was significantly associated with illness. Stool specimens were collected from 6 case-patients and 15 food workers at the catering facility. One case-patient and 4 food workers tested positive for norovirus genotype I.Sequence analysis yielded norovirus strain GI.6B.
The environmental investigation was conducted by staff of the CT DPH Food Protection Program and the Local Health Department. Six food workers reported gastrointestinal illness with onsets over a 5-day period that coincided with the two catered events. Of these, 2 food workers reported working while ill.
Overview
| Outbreak began: | September 2014 |
|---|---|
| Affected country: | US |
| States/territories: | CT |
| Pathogen: | Norovirus |
| Vehicle(s): | Sandwiches |
| Location(s): | Catered Event |
| Molecular test results: | GI.6B |
Health impact
| Total ill: | 39 |
|---|
Sources & documents
| Outbreak documents | ||
|---|---|---|