Indianapolis Olive Garden Illness Reports 300 Sickened
I have always believed in admitting when you are wrong or have made unjustified assumptions and that appears to be the case in my post about the illness at the Castleton Olive Garden in Indianapolis. I stated that it to may be related to the recent outbreaks of e. coli but now news reports are saying the prime suspect is norovirus (aka Norwalk virus). I made some assumptions that were not valid and I apologize for that.
Norovirus virus that caused problems on cruise ships a few years ago. This virus tends to be very hardy and can survive for quite some time on many different surfaces such as doorknobs and railings. The best advice for individuals is to wash heir hands frequently and thoroughly especially before eating. THis is also something restaurants should keep in mind; having a sick worker is a potential liability.
Indy Restaurant Closed As Illness Reports Reach 300 - Local News:
It appears some workers at the Olive Garden who came to work will sick may have been the source. The reports are that at least six workers called in sick. I should state it is not yet known and the first test results should be released. The restaurant was closed until at least today.
This also hits close to home as my mother had been visiting my sister who lives in the area and they ate at that exact restaurant just two days before people started getting sick.
Other Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Respiratory and Enteric Viruses Branch
Norovirus Summary Document
Norwalk virus group - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Technorati Tags: food safety, Olive Garden, norovirus
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December 18th, 2006 at 3:27 pm
Just wanted to add that Olive Garden now has a very brief statement on its website concerning this situation.
http://www.olivegarden.com/press/news_releases/2006/20061215.asp
“We appreciate the Marion County Health Department’s vote of confidence in our Castleton, Indiana Olive Garden. We will take a thoughtful and careful approach to how we reopen the restaurant and expect to do so tomorrow afternoon. We take this very seriously and rigorous protections are in place including three sanitizings of the restaurant. Additionally, we are taking this opportunity to reinforce with all team members (at this restaurant and across the company) Olive Garden’s extensive health and safety standards.”