Valhalla Inn Outbreak Investigation Update

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Valhalla Inn Outbreak Investigation Update

Written by Thunder Bay District Health Unit on 26 May 2016

THUNDER BAY, ON – After an investigation into the cause of the outbreak at the Valhalla Inn on May 14, laboratory tests confirmed the presence of norovirus. Norovirus causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The virus is usually spread through food or water, contaminated as a result of inadequate personal hygiene.

Seventy percent of the 160 people who dined at the Valhalla Inn during two evening functions on May 14 became ill with norovirus gastroenteritis. At least three Valhalla Inn staff members and eight guests attending two other afternoon functions on the same day also reported symptoms compatible with norovirus infection. Norovirus is extremely infectious – the number of norovirus particles that fit on the head of a pin is enough to infect 1,000 people.

We suspect that the outbreak originated with one or more ill staff members at the Valhalla Inn, who were not aware that they were infected with norovirus.

Food premise operators are encouraged to put measures in place to both educate their staff and to help them stay home when ill with vomiting or diarrhea, and to refrain from food handling for 2 to 3 days after their symptoms have resolved. Even one sick food handler can have a significant impact on your business and your customers.

For more information, call the Health Unit at 625-5900.