Upon investigation, on the 18th of May, 2016, The Barry-Eaton District Health Department (BEDHD) of Michigan announced that the outbreak of nororvirus that affected about 100 diners at a Carrabba’s restaurant in Lansing has ended.
Interestingly, though the BEDHD press release cites over 100 cases of diners sickened, Greg Cabose, the agency’s community services supervisor, disputes the number of people stricken. He counted the number of illness to be closer to thirty, according to the Lansing State Journal.
Reopening After Lansing Carrabba’s Norovirus Outbreak
The franchised restaurant that specializes in Italian-American Cuisine closed temporarily on May 10th to complete intensive cleaning and disinfection. BEDHD determined that the fact that no more illnesses had been reported in connection to this location of the popular restaurant chain after May 8th. The Lansing Carrabba’s reopened on May 12th after consultation with BEDHD.
Lansing Carrabba’s Norovirus Outbreak Information
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- Each year norovirus cause 19-21 million illnesses and contribute to 56,000-71,000 hospitalizations and 570-800 deaths.
- Norovirus is the most common cause of foodborne-disease outbreaks in the United States.
- Most of these outbreaks occur in the food service settings like restaurants. Infected food workers are frequently the source of the outbreaks.
- The best way to help prevent norovirus is to practice proper hand washing and general cleanliness.
- The most common symptoms of a norovirus include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain.
For more information on norovirus, visit the CDC “About Norovirus” Index.
BEDHD Investigation of Lansing Carrabba’s Norovirus Outbreak
According to BEDHD, laboratory tests confirmed that the cause of the outbreak was a norovirus, a very contagious stomach virus. While the diagnosis is clear, BEDHD investigators do not know the source of the illness.
Robert Schirmer, MD, Medical Director for BEDHD explains that “Norovirus and other stomach bugs can survive for days on surfaces such as doorknobs and table tops; when people touch these contaminated surfaces, they then can then transfer the stomach bugs to their mouths.”
In January 2006, more than 400 diners who ate at the restaurant reported symptoms of norovirus infection.
CONTACT THE WEINBERG LAW FIRM FOR A FREE LANSING CARRABBA’S RESTAURANT NOROVIRUS OUTBREAK LAWSUIT EVALUATION
If you or a loved one are diagnosed with food poisoning from norovirus, are awaiting medical confirmation of infection, or have a question regarding a norovirus outbreak Lawsuit, you can request a free legal case evaluation by submitting the “Free Legal Case Evaluation Form” found on this page. You can also call The Weinberg Law Firm toll free at 1-877-934-6274. Our phones are answered 24/7.
