Seattle’s Public Health department is currently investigating an outbreak of illness resembling norovirus linked to Stoneburner restaurant in the city’s Ballard neighborhood.
The investigation began on August 20 when authorities received reports of seven customers falling ill after dining at Stoneburner on August 11 and 14. Symptoms reported by affected individuals align closely with those of norovirus, including vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and chills. Further inquiry revealed that at least two restaurant staff members had experienced similar symptoms around the same time period. No hospitalizations or deaths in connection with the outbreak have been reported at this time.
Norovirus, a highly contagious pathogen, is known for its ability to spread swiftly through contaminated food, surfaces, and person-to-person contact. What makes this outbreak particularly challenging is the virus’s capacity to be transmitted by individuals who may be asymptomatic or only mildly affected, potentially explaining how the illness could have spread despite no staff reportedly working while visibly sick.
In response to the outbreak, Public Health ordered the temporary closure of Stoneburner on August 21 to allow for a comprehensive cleaning and disinfection process. The following day, health officials returned to ensure proper sanitation protocols were followed. During this visit, they provided guidance to restaurant management on preventing further spread of the virus, emphasizing the importance of proper handwashing techniques and the use of gloves when handling food.
The health department also stressed the importance of staff members refraining from work for at least 48 hours after their symptoms subside, as individuals can remain contagious even after feeling better. To ensure ongoing compliance with food safety practices, a follow-up inspection is scheduled for mid-September.
While laboratory confirmation of norovirus is lacking in this case, which is not uncommon given the short duration of the illness, the symptomatic profile strongly suggests the virus is the cause of the outbreak. However, health officials remain open to other potential causes.
Commenting on this local outbreak, one national norovirus lawyer said, “Norovirus is highly contagious so rigorously following food safety practices is critically important for all restaurants and any business that serves food.”
