The Kansas Department of Health announced that the outbreak associated with the New Theatre Restaurant has expanded. There are now more than 600 people sickened with Norovirus after attending shows at the theatre. Most people visited the theatre between January 15 and January 19. The New Theatre Restaurant was cleaned over the course of 6 hours on January 29. The staff also received food safety training. There have been no reports of illness in people who attended the theater after January 27.
Norovirus is a very common and contagious foodborne pathogen. The CDC reports that between 19 and 21 million cases of Norovirus occur each year in the United States, making it the most common form of acute gastroenteritis. Norovirus infections commonly present with symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fever, and stomach pain. Much of the time, Norovirus infections will go away on their own within a few days. However, it is still a good idea to contact a medical professional if you or a loved one begins to show the symptoms of norovirus poisoning.
