Over 400 Sick In El Toro Norovirus Outbreak

UNIVERSITY PLACE, WA - A large norovirus outbreak in Pierce County linked to two El Toro restaurants has now claimed over 400 victims, according to the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. Norovirus is a nasty gastrointestinal bug that causes intense vomiting and diarrhea for 24 to 48 hours.

The outbreak emerged last week at the Tacoma restaurant, and 423 cases of norovirus have been traced to that location. Another 11 cases have been traced to the University Place El Toro. The TPCHD is asking anyone who has experienced symptoms to contact them.

“Norovirus is highly contagious and is more common in cold weather months,” said Katie Lott, food and community safety program manager for TPCHD. “The best thing people can do to protect themselves and keep the virus from spreading is wash their hands frequently and stay home when they’re sick."

Both the Tacoma and University Place restaurants were closed briefly while they were cleaned.

Meanwhile, a woman who ate at the Tacoma El Toro on Jan. 2 and became sick the next day has filed a lawsuit against the restaurant chain.

El Toro operates five restaurants locally, including locations in Parkland, Lakewood, and Puyallup.

Photo by F.P. Williams/Associated Press