Health Department Update on Norovirus Investigation

The Westchester County Department of Health has an ongoing investigation underway to put a stop to a recent rash of illness in people who attended events at the Hilton Westchester. While we have not yet determined the cause, it appears to be Norovirus, an infection whose symptoms are vomiting and diarrhea.

Recognizing the importance of protecting the health and safety of the public, the Hilton Westchester is voluntarily following every recommendation that the health department has made, including:

1. Arranging for an outside contractor to provide an industrial cleaning of all hotel surfaces, with a special focus on the banquet halls;
2. Contracting for corporate health staff and corporate sanitarians to be present and to assist in assuring that all health department recommendations are being carried out by staffers;
3. Discontinuing service of uncooked foods that are prepared on site, and substituting commercially prepared salads and uncooked fruits; and
4. Providing a 72 hour paid furlough to all banquet service and kitchen staff starting now through Friday night.

Hotel management has been extremely cooperative throughout this investigation to work with the health department to protect the public’s health.  They also have notified organizers of upcoming events about these recent illnesses.

The health department has increased its presence at the hotel this week and will have two sanitarians present during every event throughout the weekend.  Inspectors are reviewing sanitary procedures throughout the hotel, as is our routine practice in these situations. Public health nurses are also reaching out to those who may be affected to help determine the source of the illness and to identify any new cases. 

For more information about Norovirus, go to www.westchestergov.com/health.

How can I avoid getting ill?

To help prevent the spread of the infection, wash hands thoroughly after each toilet visit, between contact with others and before and after preparing your own food.

If you have symptoms, what should you do?

It is important for those who have symptoms to stay home from work and to limit their contact with others to avoid spreading the virus to family members and close contacts until 72 hours after all symptoms resolve. Anyone who experiences nausea, vomiting or diarrhea should not go to work and should not handle food for others while ill. You also may want to contact your physician.

Unfortunately, there is no treatment other than to make sure to drink plenty of fluids. The illness must just run its course. Most people usually recover in a couple of days.

What is Norovirus?

A common cause of vomiting and diarrhea in this kind of setting is Norovirus. Norovirus is a group of viruses that can cause acute gastrointestinal discomfort and illness.