Mazatlán Norovirus Lawyer Update: 13 Norovirus-like Cases Linked to Mexican Restaurant in Auburn WA.

The Departments of Public Health in both Seattle and King County announced an investigation on a norovirus-like outbreak linked to a Mexican restaurant in Auburn, WA. The outbreak was announced on June 9, 2021, after 13 cases of people becoming ill were reported to the public health departments. According to health department officials, the 13 people ate at the restaurant Mazatlán located at 110 Cross Street SE, Auburn, WA 98002, on May 21 before becoming ill.

Investigators were sent to the Mexican restaurant a few days after the cases were reported but they were unable to find any factors that could have contributed to the spread of norovirus. A spokesperson for the public health department, stated: “We have not identified how norovirus was spread within the restaurant. This is not uncommon for norovirus outbreaks because the virus can spread through multiple contaminated food items, environmental surfaces, and from person to person.” The restaurant closed voluntarily for a thorough cleaning and disinfection after the inspection, it has since reopened its doors and was scheduled for another inspection for two weeks after reopening.

King County issued an update on June 9th, 2021, in which they reported that no ill employees have yet been identified. They also stated that they have no laboratory testing for the people who became but the symptoms among those who became ill suggest it was norovirus. At this time only the 13 reported cases have been linked to the outbreak, but due to how contagious norovirus is more people may have experienced the same symptoms and opted out of pursuing medical treatment or reporting it.

Norovirus is highly contagious and normally spreads person-to-person, often through food. People who contract norovirus experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhea with cramps, low-grade fevers, chills, and body aches. Ron Simon, a National Norovirus Lawyer, stated: 

“Norovirus is one of many food borne pathogens, and is highly contagious and can survive on items an infected person has handled for days or even weeks.  As such, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings, the food you handle, and the presence of any infected persons. Hand washing, using alcohol-based lotions, properly preparing food, and consciously avoiding contact with potentially contaminated objects will greatly reduce the likelihood of contracting norovirus.”

For more information on the Mazatlán Norovirus Outbreak, to speak to a Norovirus Lawyer, or to inquire about a Norovirus Lawsuit, call 1-888-335-4901.