Partygoers stricken by virus: Dozens ill after weekend event at Bearspaw Club

October 23, 2004
The Calgary Herald
B9
Sorcha McGinnis

Dozens of people who attended an event at the Bearspaw Country Club in Calgary, Alberta, last weekend have, according to this story, been sickened by what health officials suspect is a virus.

The story says that of the 125 people who attended a year-end party at the northwest club Saturday, 40 have reported symptoms including watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, vomiting and fever.

Dr. Judy MacDonald, the deputy medical officer of health for the Calgary Health Region, was cited as saying the origins of the illness have not been confirmed, but it is likely Noro virus, commonly known as Norwalk virus, adding, "Based on the symptoms of the individuals we have interviewed and the duration of those symptoms, it is most likely a viral gastroenteritis. We don't have a definitive identification at this point. ... This sort of thing doesn't happen all that often but it certainly could. These viruses are around any time in the community."

The story says that when Gord Sarkissian, general manager of the Bearspaw Country Club, learned two of his patrons were unwell, he made calls to the CHR as well as those who attended the event, with Sarkissian quoted as saying, "Within 24 hours, we were on the phone to everyone who was at the event. Our primary concern was their health and safety. Anyone who felt ill, we directed them toward (the CHR)."

Sarkissian was further cited as saying the club was wiped clean with a bleach solution, while inspectors examined kitchen and other equipment, adding, "We went through our menus, and all our equipment was tested for temperatures, whether it was a dishwasher, refrigeration unit, an oven and all food holding equipment. They were all tested completely by the regional health authority inspectors with our full co-operation and with every intent of making sure we weren't contributing to these people's illness."