West Seattle restaurant closed due to possible norovirus outbreak

WEST SEATTLE, Wash. — King County Public Health has closed Pho Aroma in West Seattle as they investigate an outbreak of gastroenteritis with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

On Jan. 16, King County Public Health learned of three sick people from one meal party that became ill after consuming food and beverages from Pho Aroma on Jan. 13.

As part of the investigation, Environmental Health investigators visited and closed the restaurant located at 5605 Delridge Way SW on Jan. 17. During their visit, investigators identified two employees who had experienced similar symptoms as the customers who dined at the restaurant on Jan. 13.

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Part of a release from King County Public Health reads:

"We do not have laboratory confirmation of the pathogen responsible for the illness, but symptoms are suggestive of norovirus. Often in norovirus outbreaks, no laboratory testing is done. The exact food or drink item that caused the illness has not been identified, though this is not uncommon for norovirus outbreaks where multiple food items may be contaminated."

Norovirus rarely causes severe complications, according to King County Public Health. Dehydration is the most common complication, and no vaccine is available.

To read General Advice from King County Public Health for reducing the risk of contracting Norovirus click here.

Cox Media Group