Puking cheerleader leads to outbreak

Posted: March 16th, 2012 - 10:17am

Food Safety Infosheet Highlights:
- Over 220 at cheerleading competition fall ill with norovirus
- The outbreak likely started when a participant showed up at the competition while ill.
- Health officials believe that the outbreak grew because affected individuals vomited in public.
- Chlorine bleach can inactivate norovirus; Quaternary ammonia (quats) are not recommended because the aren't effective.
- A 5,000 ppm (25 tablespoons 5.25% bleach per gallon of water). bleach solution should be applied to soiled areas for at least 4 minutes.