2019 Outbreak of Norovirus at Tijuana Taco, Lakewood, Washington

In February 2019 officials at the Tacoma Pierce County Health Department (TPCHD) investigated an outbreak of norovirus infections among customers and employees of Tijuana Taco located at 1005 Bristol Avenue SW in Lakewood, Washington. Sixty eight primary cases were identified. Four people were hospitalized. No one died. Two customers and three employees were laboratory confirmed with norovirus. Two of the 3 employees worked on February 22. Investigators concluded that ill employees were the source of this outbreak.

Overview

Outbreak began:February 2019
Affected country:US
States/territories:WA
Pathogen:Norovirus
Vehicle(s):Ill foodhandler
Location(s):Restaurant
Brand name(s):Tijuana Taco
Molecular test results:Not reported

Health impact

Total ill:68
Number hospitalized:4