THUNDER BAY – Health News – The Thunder Bay District Health Unit are investigating reports of a suspected food-borne illness related to a number of catered events which have taken place in the city of Thunder Bay over the past week. The symptoms that have been reported – including vomiting, diarrhea and nausea (See Norovirus Factsheet for more information.) – are typical of a Norwalk-like illness. Noroviruses are commonly responsible for gastro-intestinal outbreaks at large gatherings where food is provided.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, and believe they may be connected to something you ate at a catered event, please contact the TBDHU. People with underlying health conditions or who are immuno-compromised may want to contact their health care providers for advice or assessment.
Also, if you have taken any food home from such an event, please call the TBDHU for further advice before consuming the food or discarding it.
It is the holiday season and many people are preparing a large amount of food for family and friends. As always, we remind you to use safe food handling practices and to wash your hands well before preparing food and after using the washroom.
If you have any questions, please contact the TBDHU at 625-5900 or visit TBDHU.com/eh/foodsafety.
