Possible Norovirus Outbreak At Seattle Steakhouse Under Investigation

SEATTLE, WA - King County health officials are investigating another possible norovirus outbreak at a downtown Seattle restaurant.

King County reported on March 23 that health officials were investigating an illness outbreak at Girin, 501 Stadium Place South. Four people from the same household reported norovirus-like symptoms - including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea - after eating at the restaurant on March 18, King County reported.

The restaurant was closed on March 22 so that workers could sterilize the facility. Girin was reopened the next day, and has been open since.

There have been a number of recent reports of norovirus-like illness outbreaks in Western Washington.

On Tuesday, King County reported a similar situation at The Crab Pot, a seafood restaurant along the downtown waterfront. Health officials said that five people from the same party were sickened after eating at the restaurant on March 4. Inspectors also found a health code violation at that restaurant related to hand washing facilities.

The Crab Pot has cooperated with the health department, and completed a cleaning and disinfection of the restaurant. The health department did not locate any sick employees.

Although norovirus is easily spread through contaminated food, it can also spread through touching contaminated surfaces. Customers can easily bring the virus into restaurants or other facilities. Aside from the Crab Pot investigation, King County investigated an outbreak at a Woodinville restaurant, which also closed for a cleaning. A Seattle elementary school was also closed in mid-March due to a large outbreak there.

Norovirus often spreads easily in winter because people are indoors in close contact. Read more about norovirus here.

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