The King County Health Department is investigating a possible norovirus outbreak at Maggiano's in Bellevue.
The Health Department said they have just begin their investigation.
They say as many as 50 people who attended a private event at the restaurant got sick earlier this month.
Several restaurant workers also experienced symptoms more than a week before the event.
Maggiano's issued a statement, saying:
Last Wednesday, Maggiano's became aware of a party that reported illness after visiting our restaurant in Bellevue two days prior, on Monday, January 18. We immediately reported this potential issue to the King County Health Department, and have been working closely with them to thoroughly investigate. To date, we have no confirmed diagnosis of a food-borne illness, and no other reports of any guest outside of this single party becoming ill.
We are taking this isolated incident very seriously and have thoroughly disinfected the restaurant. We maintain strict standards of quality, safety and cleanliness in our restaurants and train every teammate in proper food safety and handling. Additionally, teammates are required to report illness to management, which results in immediate exclusion from work.
As we learn more, we will keep the community informed. Guests wanting more information may contact Maggiano's at 1-844-201-1041, Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. PST.
The health department says norovirus is a highly contagious virus that is frequently spread person-to-person and is often associated with food. Norovirus illness often has a sudden onset of nausea and vomiting and/or watery diarrhea with cramps. A low grade fever, chills, and body aches sometimes occur. Norovirus rarely causes severe complications. Dehydration is the most common complication, particularly among young children and the elderly.
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