2019 Outbreak of Norovirus at a Catered Event, Manchester, New Hampshire

In November 2019 public health officials in New Hampshire investigated an outbreak of norovirus among persons who dined at a group meal at the Puritan Backroom Conference Center in Manchester, New Hampshire. The implicated meal date was November 24, 2019. Overall, 20 people reported gastrointestinal illness following the event, including 18 attendees and two staff members. Seven of 11 stool specimens submitted from meal attendees tested positive for norovirus G2 by real-time polymerase chin reaction testing at the New Hampshire Public Health Laboratories. No one was hospitalized. One person died with acute norovirus gastroenteritis listed as a contributing cause of death. Meal preparation and serving practices related to foods served at the meal were reviewed by Manchester Health Department staff. All foods were made in the restaurant kitchen and then served in the adjoining conference center. There were no critical violations identified. There were no foodservice workers identified as being ill at the time of the group meal. Investigators were unable to determine how norovirus was transmitted to meal attendees.

Overview

Outbreak began:February 2019
Affected country:US
States/territories:NH
Pathogen:Norovirus
Vehicle(s):Unknown
Location(s):Conference center
Brand name(s):Puritan Backroom Conference Center
Molecular test results:Not reported

Health impact

Total ill:20
Number of deaths:1