Norovirus confirmed as cause of outbreak that sickened 60 after Orange County emergency drill
County officials, law enforcement, emergency management and other agencies took part in the large-scale exercise in Goshen.
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The Orange County Department of Health has confirmed that norovirus caused an outbreak that sickened 60 people following an emergency preparedness drill earlier this month.
News 12 first reported that people became sick after attending the Sept. 9 event at the county’s Emergency Management facility in Goshen.
County health officials said 119 people who responded to a survey reported eating at the event, and 60 of them — just over 50% — became ill. Several people sought medical care, but no one was hospitalized.
The county said several people who became sick also provided specimens for testing. All of those samples tested positive for norovirus. Health officials said norovirus was “very likely” the cause of the outbreak.
The county’s epidemiological investigation is ongoing. While testing confirmed norovirus among those who submitted specimens, the county has not said whether investigators have determined how the virus spread or whether a specific food or drink was responsible.
The large-scale emergency exercise brought together county officials, law enforcement, emergency management personnel and other agencies to practice their response to a simulated hurricane, flooding and building collapse.
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It can spread through direct contact with an infected person, by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated liquids, or by touching contaminated surfaces and then putting unwashed hands near the mouth. People can continue spreading the virus even after they begin feeling better, and it can remain on surfaces.
Health officials said norovirus cases typically begin increasing around this time of year and continue through the spring. Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, fever, headaches and body aches. Symptoms generally develop 12 to 48 hours after exposure.
Officials also warn that hand sanitizer alone does not kill norovirus. They recommend frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and properly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces.
More information about norovirus is available at: https://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/index.html
