For more information on the Arby’s Norovirus Outbreak, to speak to a Norovirus Lawyer, or to inquire about a Norovirus Lawsuit, call 1-888-335-4901.
Arby’s Norovirus Lawyer Update: Arby’s Norovirus Outbreak Linked to Almost 100 Reported Cases.
An update on the Norovirus outbreak linked to almost 100 illnesses was released by the Sangamon County Department of Public Health back in mid-March 2021. The outbreak was originally announced in late February 2021, after the Sangamon County Department of Public Health began receiving multiple reports of people becoming ill after eating food products purchased at the Arby’s restaurant at the Springfield, IL location. The restaurant was closed by the County Health Department to do a deep clean and provide employee training. Less than two weeks later health department officials began receiving more reports of people becoming ill from eating at the same Arby’s location, after further investigation, the County Health Department opted to once again close the restaurant to do a further investigation.
In the original inspection of Arby’s restaurant, back on February 23, 2021, health department officials found multiple violations which lead to the closure of the restaurant. The violations ranged from lack of knowledge in the up-to-date food handling procedures by the employees handling the food, problems with potential cross-contamination, dirty equipment, improper temperature management of the refrigerators where the food was stored, and improper labeling of the food which needed to be thrown away. Due to the improper management of the restaurants’ sanitary practices the health department had no choice but to close the restaurant to investigate the source of the multiple illnesses.
After the second wave of complaints received by the Sangamon County Department of Public Health, the number of cases linked to the outbreak rose to 92 cases. Gail O’Neill, the Director of the Sangamon County Department of Public Health, stated that through their investigation they discovered that the cause of all the illnesses was norovirus. O’Neill, also stated the Arby’s restaurant was helpful in the investigation, he also said “If we would have thought (the recommendations) weren’t being taken seriously or we hadn’t seen some action on their part, we would have taken a more aggressive approach.” The Arby’s restaurant has since reopened and followed the regulation established by their local health department concerning food handling procedures.
Norovirus is a contagious virus that causes nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. Infected individuals usually experience symptoms within 24 to 48 hours of exposure and the symptoms may then last up to 60 hours and alleviate on their own. Ron Simon, a National Norovirus Lawyer who is representing people affected by the Arby’s Norovirus Outbreak, stated:
“Norovirus is highly contagious and can survive on items an infected person has handled for days or even weeks, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings, the food you handle, and the presence of any infected persons.”
For more information on the Arby’s Norovirus Outbreak, to speak to a Norovirus Lawyer, or to inquire about a Norovirus Lawsuit, call 1-888-335-4901.
