50 sickened by possible norovirus after Orland Park party
ORLAND PARK (Sun-Times Media Wire) - About 50 people were sickened with possible norovirus after a party Friday night in southwest suburban Orland Park.
The party happened at Orland Chateau at 14500 S. La Grange Rd. in Orland Park, according to Cook County Department of Public Health spokesperson Deanna Durica.
More than 200 people attended the party, and about 50 became ill over the weekend with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, Durica said. The symptoms are consistent with norovirus, but it has not yet been confirmed.
The source of the illness has not been confirmed, Durica said. Norovirus is very contagious and can be spread by an infected person, contaminated food or water, or contaminated surfaces.
Other parties happened at Orland Chateau over the weekend, but no other illnesses were reported.
The health department has opened an investigation into the outbreak.
Durica emphasized the importance of hand hygiene to prevent an outbreak of norovirus.