Suspected Norovirus Outbreak Investigated At Renton Restaurant

RENTON, WA — Public health investigators are looking into an outbreak of nearly a dozen cases of norovirus-like illnesses associated with the WildFin American Grill in Renton at the end of July, officials said Wednesday. According to Public Health - Seattle & King County, ten people from three groups reported illness after eating at the restaurant on July 29, and one employee reported similar symptoms in early August.

Norovirus symptoms can include sudden nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, fever, chills and body aches.

Investigators have not identified a source for the outbreak, which officials said is not uncommon for norovirus, which can spread through contaminated food, surfaces and person-to-person. Public health teams visited the restaurant last Thursday and said they witnessed some improper practices that could have contributed to the outbreak, including insufficient dishwashing temperatures, improper handwashing procedures and inadequate barriers to prevent cross-contamination.

Officials said the restaurant closed on Aug. 5 for a thorough cleaning and all food processed before the disinfection was thrown away. The restaurant reopened the next day after investigators confirmed cleanliness and verified proper practices were in place. Before the outbreak, the restaurant's most recent safety rating was good.

Find the latest updates about the outbreak investigation on the public health website.