Lab Tests Indicate Norovirus Caused Illness Outbreak In Ellington

ELLINGTON, CT — Laboratory tests have confirmed a recent outbreak of gastrointestinal illnesses involving Gerry's Donuts of Ellington was caused by norovirus, according to the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH).

A written statement from the DPH said, "Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. People of all ages can get infected and sick with norovirus."

Numerous people began reporting they and family members became violently ill over Mother's Day weekend. The popular shop, which opened on Windsorville Road in 1984, was ordered closed indefinitely by the North Central District Health Department on Friday, pending an investigation.

The complete statement from the DPH Wednesday reads as follows:

DPH’s Epidemiology and Food Protection Programs, along with the State Laboratory, are collaborating with the North Central District Health Department in the investigation of an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness involving Gerry’s Donuts in Ellington that has now been confirmed through laboratory tests to be caused by norovirus. Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. People of all ages can get infected and sick with norovirus. When a norovirus outbreak involves multiple persons from different towns, as is the case with this outbreak, it is not uncommon to see additional cases of norovirus occur because of person-to-person transmission of the virus in the community.

In general, you can help protect yourself and others from norovirus by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water. You should also avoid preparing food for others, working in a day care center, health care facility or food service establishment if you have gastrointestinal symptoms – vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, low grade fever – and seek medical attention if those symptoms become severe.

This is the second foodborne outbreak of norovirus reported to DPH in 2021 and a reminder of the importance of preventing foodborne illnesses. Between 2015 - 2019, an average of 10 norovirus foodborne outbreaks were reported to DPH each year. In 2020, there were three, all occurring between January - first week of March.

To register for free Ellington and Somers news alerts and more, click here.