2019 Outbreak of Norovirus Infections Associated with Rider Restaurant, Seattle, Washington

In January 2020 Public Health Seattle King County (PHSKC) investigated an outbreak of norovirus-like illnesses with vomiting, diarrhea, body aches, chills, and fever associated with Rider restaurant located in Seattle. Seven people from 2 meal parties reported becoming ill after eating at Rider on December 29 and December 31, 2019. One person was hospitalized. No one died. There is no indication that any employees of the restaurant were the source of the outbreak. PHSKC environmental health investigators visited the restaurant on January 3, 2020. They observed numerous improper food handling practices, including inadequate handwashing, inadequate use of barriers to prevent bare hand contact with ready to eat foods, lack of temperature controls, and risk of cross contamination.

Overview

Outbreak began:December 2019
Affected country:US
States/territories:WA
Pathogen:Norovirus
Vehicle(s):Unknown
Location(s):Restaurant
Brand name(s):Rider
Molecular test results:no

Health impact

Total ill:7
Number hospitalized:1

Sources & documents

Outbreak documents