Taipei, Jan. 14 (CNA) — Nine individuals have tested positive for norovirus after dining at the INPARADISE Breeze Xinyi buffet restaurant in Taipei, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced on Tuesday.
At a routine press briefing, CDC spokesperson Tseng Shu-hui revealed that an investigation into the outbreak revealed that 77 people fell ill after eating at the restaurant between January 5 and 7. Symptoms reported by the affected individuals included diarrhea (78%), vomiting (77%), nausea (68%), fever (28%), and bloating (14%).
Initial assessments indicate that the affected diners suffered from gastroenteritis, although none required hospitalization. Following the investigation, approximately 70 samples were taken from patrons, with nine of those tested positive for norovirus. Test results for restaurant staff are still pending.
The cause of the outbreak remains unclear, as investigations into environmental and food samples are ongoing. It has not yet been determined whether the illness was caused by contaminated food or exposure to infected individuals.
In response to the suspected food poisoning, the Taipei City Department of Health ordered the buffet restaurant to suspend operations on January 7. However, the restaurant continued to operate that evening, leading to a fine of NT$3 million (approximately US$91,256) for noncompliance.
As of 9 a.m. on January 12, 59 individuals who dined at the restaurant sought medical care. No new cases have been reported in the 24 hours following the last reported incident, and the restaurant has proposed measures to address potential causes of the outbreak. The city lifted the restaurant’s suspension at noon on Sunday.
The discrepancy in case numbers between the CDC and the city health department stems from individuals who fell ill but did not seek medical attention, according to Tseng.
The CDC has advised the public to practice proper hand hygiene, especially before handling food, eating, after using the restroom, and after caring for sick individuals, to prevent norovirus infection.
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