2016 Outbreak of Norovirus and Clostridium perfringens Infections Associated with New Theater Restaurant, Overland Park, Kansas

In January 2016 an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness occurred among patrons of New Theatre Restaurant located in Overland Park, Kansas. Dates of onset of illness ranged from January 14 to January 31. Two etiologic agents were identified. Initially, norovirus was confirmed in patients but during the investigation, an outbreak of Clostridium perfringens infections was also detected. Six hundred thirty six persons became ill with norovirus. Three people were hospitalized. No one died. Ten persons reported gastrointestinal symptoms consistent with norovirus before attending the dinner theater and one employee reported onset of symptoms while at work. Fifty-five persons reported gastrointestinal symptoms consistent with Clostridium perfringens. One stool specimen tested positive for Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin type A.

Overview

Outbreak began:January 2016
Affected country:US
States/territories:KS
Pathogen:Norovirus, Clostridium perfringens
Vehicle(s):Unknown
Location(s):Restaurant
Brand name(s):New Theatre Restaurant
Molecular test results:Genogroup II

Health impact

Total ill:636
Number hospitalized:3

Sources & documents

Outbreak documents