2005 Outbreak of Norovirus Linked to Lettuce at a Catered Lunch, Minnesota

Teachers from a Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, school became ill after eating a catered lunch in early March. Epidemiologists conducted a phone survey to determine the contaminated food item. It was difficult to establish a particular food as lettuce was in many different dishes. Eating lettuce in any dish was statistically associated with illness. An inspection of the restaurant that catered the event found three food workers had family members who had been ill recently.

Overview

Outbreak began:March 2005
Affected country:US
States/territories:MN
Pathogen:Norovirus
Vehicle(s):lettuce, Ill foodhandler
Location(s):Catered meal
Molecular test results:no

Health impact

Total ill:13

Sources & documents

Report / reference links