Public health officials are responding to a suspected norovirus outbreak in northern San Luis Obispo County.
Health officials say they are awaiting test results to confirm the cause of the outbreak, but say it appears to be linked to a restaurant. The name of the establishment has not been disclosed.
“Our team responded quickly with the restaurant to address the source of contamination and address health practices to prevent future outbreaks,” a spokesperson for the San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department told KSBY, adding that Health Department case investigators have been following up with people who get sick to make sure they get the care they need and limit the spread of the virus.
The health department says norovirus has been circulating at higher levels this year. It’s a common but contagious disease and although health officials say most people can usually recover at home, it can spread quickly.
Symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea. The health department says the virus “can be present on contaminated objects or surfaces for days or weeks.”
The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department declined to comment on ongoing norovirus investigations in Santa Barbara County.