Norovirus-like illness associated with Seattle restaurant Il Terrazzo Carmine

Public Health — Seattle & King County are investigating an outbreak of a norovirus-like illness associated with Seattle restaurant Il Terrazzo Carmine.

Officials say since April 4, 10 people from three separate meal parties have come down with the illness after eating at the restaurant on April 2.

The illness has symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and chills.

According to Public Health, raw oysters are the likely cause, but it is common for norovirus outbreaks to involve more than one food item or environmental surface and to spread from person to person.

Health inspectors say they visited the restaurant on April 5 and observed several improper food handling practices, including inadequate handwashing, inadequate use of barriers to prevent hand contact with ready-to-eat foods, improper temperature controls, and risk of cross contamination.

Investigators say based on these findings they closed the restaurant and ordered the facility to undergo a thorough cleaning and disinfection.

According to the report, inspectors revisited the restaurant on April 7 to confirm proper cleaning and disinfection, and it was allowed to reopen.

Officials say they notified management that ill staff are not allowed to work until they are symptom-free for at least 48 hours.

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