Newsroom > DHHS News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 22, 2009

CONTACT
Marla Augustine, Communications and Legislative Services, (402) 471-4047 or marla.augustine@nebraska.gov

Suspected Norovirus at South Sioux City Restaurant

Lincoln—A restaurant/bar in South Sioux City has closed down voluntarily to disinfect its premises after dozens of people became ill after eating there, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

The restaurant/bar at the Marina Inn has closed temporarily on the advice of health officials.

Symptoms are consistent with a norovirus, a highly contagious virus that is spread person to person or by food.

The symptoms of norovirus illness include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramping. Some people may have a low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and tiredness. The illness usually begins suddenly, and the infected person may feel very sick. In most people the illness lasts for one or two days.

People from Nebraska and Iowa who ate at this restaurant became ill. Epidemiologists from the state health departments are investigating, as well as the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.

Stool samples from ill people and environmental samples are being collected and sent to laboratories for testing.

The restaurant/bar will reopen Friday.

People who have become ill after eating there can report it to their health department. In Nebraska, call the local health department. If symptoms persist, see a physician.

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