Norovirus outbreak at North Carolina sushi restaurant sickens over 240

A North Carolina sushi restaurant's norovirus outbreak has affected at least 241 individuals since late last month, county health officials said Thursday.

Wake County public health and environmental services reported that all sufferers visited Sushi Nine in Raleigh between Nov. 28 and Dec. 5 before becoming ill.

“Unfortunately, norovirus can spread very easily, especially during the winter months when people come together for holiday gatherings and parties which include a lot of meal prep and catering,” Wake County Public Health Director Rebecca Kaufman said in a statement.

Vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort are frequent symptoms of norovirus. Dehydration and fever may occur. This sickness is often called “food poisoning” or “stomach flu.” The CDC says the virus spreads through contaminated seafood, surfaces, water, and unwashed hands.

“We're pretty confident that it wasn't the food,” Schreiber added. "We have a reasonable belief that a customer with norovirus dined in the restaurant a few days prior."

Officials said Sushi Nine voluntarily closed for intensive cleaning on Dec. 5 and returned on Dec. 8 without new cases.

Norovirus accounts for 58% of US foodborne illnesses, or 20 million each year. From November to April, outbreaks are most common.