CANADA: Viral outbreak sickens Mac staff

20.dec.07
Hamilton Spectator
Carmela Fragomeni

A Noro-type virus outbreak at a catered McMaster University event is yet another strong reminder for people to wash their hands after using the washroom.
The Dec. 13 event made 28 of the 51 McMaster staff attending the event ill with diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and nausea.
The event was catered by East Meets West Campus Bistro, which runs a restaurant on campus, but a city health inspection did not find any food- handling violations, says Dr. Elizabeth Richards, medical officer of health.
There have been no reports of illness outside of the catered event, but health officials want to hear from anyone who may have developed gastrointestinal symptoms after eating at the restaurant between Dec. 12 and 18. The number is 905-546-2063.
Richards said East Meets West has an exemplary record, but has been asked as a precaution to shut down for a thorough cleaning and throw out any food that was at the event.