An update from the Chief Public Health Office regarding an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness associated with some people who attended the PEI International Shellfish Festival last weekend. The CPHO says that over 550 symptomatic people who attended the festival responded to the online questionnaire. Through the questionnaire, officials learned that four people went to emergency departments and there was one hospitalization. In its investigation, CPHO says it has been able to identify norovirus from some of the samples provided by symptomatic people who ate at the festival. Norovirus can be transmitted by:
- eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus;
- touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus and then putting your fingers in your mouth; or
- having direct contact with someone who is infected with norovirus, such as by caring for them or sharing food or eating utensils with them.
The CPHO has made 6 recommendations to help minimize the risk of gastrointestinal illnesses at future events, including additional health inspections before and during the festival; enhanced sanitation of food preparation areas and common touch surfaces; have easily visible hand washing stations available at all washrooms; and maintain samples of prepared foods in cold storage for a minimum of 48 hours after the event has ended.
