SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. – In addition to increased reports of influenza in the community, Snohomish County is also seeing an uptick in norovirus-like illnesses. A call was placed to the Snohomish Health District’s communicable disease surveillance line about individuals being sickened with gastrointestinal symptoms over the weekend.
The Chuck E. Cheese located at 3717 196th St SW in Lynnwood was listed as a potential exposure site, so a food safety program team was dispatched on Tuesday afternoon. While it is unclear whether the Chuck E. Cheese was the source or not, the inspection found numerous health violations, prompting the Health District to require the immediate closure.
The Health District is working closely with Chuck E. Cheese to ensure all health violations are corrected and the establishment is properly cleaned. Chuck E. Cheese and its employees are cooperating fully with the Health District. Upon completion, and after passing an inspection, the restaurant will be allowed to reopen.
“Schools, daycares and other places where large numbers of children play—like Chuck E. Cheese—can be prime spots for the germs to spread quickly,” said Dr. Chris Spitters, interim health officer for the Health District. “It’s a great reminder for parents and caregivers to teach and model good handwashing habits for kids.”
Other settings where norovirus-like illnesses often spread easily include private homes, nursing homes, cruise ships, athletic facilities, and shared dining facilities.
Gastrointestinal illnesses like norovirus can spread quickly, and are oftentimes mistakenly called the stomach flu. You can get illnesses like these from an infected person, contaminated food or water, or by touching contaminated surfaces. The virus causes stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting because your stomach, intestines or both get inflamed (acute gastroenteritis). Symptoms include:
- A sudden onset of illness, usually 24-48 hours after exposure
- Vomiting and nausea
- Diarrhea and stomach cramps
- Headaches, chills, a low-grade fever, muscle aches and tiredness
- Symptoms lasting for 1-2 days
As a reminder, if you think you got sick after eating in any restaurant, please contact the Communicable Disease Surveillance line at 425.339.5278.
There are no specific drugs or vaccines to treat or prevent norovirus. However, taking the following precautions will help prevent the spread of the virus:
- Wash hands after using the bathroom
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly
- Do not prepare food for others while sick
- Keep children with symptoms home from school or child care, and notify them of the illness
- Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces with a solution of bleach and water
- Wash all clothes and linens soiled by vomit or fecal matter immediately
Thorough handwashing after using the bathroom and prior to food preparation is key. Handwashing should include vigorous soaping of the hands. All surfaces should be washed including the back of the hands, wrists, between fingers and under fingernails. Hands should be thoroughly rinsed with running water and dried completely.
The Snohomish Health District works for a safer and healthier community through disease prevention, health promotion, and protection from environmental threats. To read more about the District and for important health information, visit www.snohd.org.