A norovirus outbreak linked to a popular sushi restaurant in Raleigh, North Carolina, has left at least 241 people feeling ill, according to the Wake County Public Health Department. The outbreak, which began in late November and continued until early December, has prompted an investigation into Sushi Nine restaurant, as well as a lawsuit from a groom who claims he fell sick before his wedding.

Norovirus, also known as the "stomach flu" or "stomach bug," is a highly contagious virus that causes inflammation of the stomach or intestines, resulting in symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that the illness can be contracted by coming into contact with an infected person, consuming contaminated food, or touching contaminated surfaces.

The first individual to report becoming ill after dining at Sushi Nine did so on December 1, and since then, the health department has received a total of 241 complaints from individuals who visited the restaurant between November 28 and December 5. Of these individuals, 170 were interviewed and asked to provide stool samples, the only way to test for norovirus. Out of the samples received, three individuals tested positive for the virus.

One of the afflicted individuals, Austin Freels, filed a lawsuit against the restaurant, claiming that he and his family dined there on November 29 and fell ill the following day. Freels alleges experiencing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, stomach cramping, muscle aches, fatigue, headache, severe abdominal pain, and dehydration. His symptoms worsened and persisted throughout his wedding weekend, leading him to seek medical attention at urgent care and the emergency room.

Freels is seeking an unspecified amount in damages exceeding $25,000, including compensation for loss of wages, medical expenses, travel expenses, emotional distress, and physical pain. However, the lawsuit does not confirm whether Freels had a confirmed case of norovirus.

The health department announced that Sushi Nine voluntarily closed for deep cleaning on December 5, and it has since reopened. No new complaints have been reported since the restaurant's reopening on December 8. The authorities continue to investigate the outbreak and have not yet identified a specific type of food that may have caused the illness. It is worth noting that those who fell sick consumed different items from the menu.

Wake County Public Health Director Rebecca Kaufman highlighted the ease with which norovirus can spread, particularly during the winter months when people gather for holiday events and meals. The virus can easily be transmitted through contaminated seafood, surfaces, water, and unwashed hands. Even a few particles of norovirus can cause illness, and infected individuals can shed billions of them, potentially spreading the virus for days or weeks.

Sushi Nine, located near North Carolina State University, remains open for business, as indicated by its recent Facebook posts advertising various menu items. The restaurant owners have not responded to requests for comment.

Norovirus is the most common type of foodborne illness in the United States, responsible for approximately 58% of such cases, or roughly 20 million illnesses annually. The majority of outbreaks occur between November and April, making it crucial for restaurants and individuals to prioritize food safety measures during this period.