Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Norovirus,Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls on July 28, 2025
A norovirus outbreak in Edgartown on Martha’s Vineyard has been linked to private events on Chappaquiddick and the Edgartown Reading Room, says the Town of Edgartown Board of Health. Multiple cases of gastrointestinal illness with symptoms consistent with norovirus have been reported.
Here’s what we know about the norovirus outbreak in Edgartown, and what to do if you become sick.
Multiple reports of gastrointestinal illness with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps were made to Edgartown Board of Health. The germ associated with this outbreak has preliminarily been attributed to norovirus. However, official results of confirmatory testing are not yet available.
Those affected attended private events held on Chappaquiddick and at the Edgartown Reading Room.
In response, the Board of Health and local restaurant operators are working together to prevent further spread of this or other foodborne illnesses.
In a press release, Edgartown Board of Health indicated that shortly after, due to sick staff, two venues voluntarily closed for two days for deep cleaning and thorough sanitation.
The Edgartown Reading Room and the Edgartown Yacht Club.
Sick food service staff have been instructed to stay home and not to return to work until symptoms have subsided for 72 hours.
Only after implementing these intervention measures, can affected establishments resume normal business operations, says Board of Health.
Norovirus is a tiny germ responsible for a big illness. It is a highly contagious virus that is easily spread from person-to-person and through contaminated food. Which is why it comes up so frequently in foodborne outbreak investigations. Especially in restaurants, where an infected food worker can spread the illness to countless unsuspecting patrons.
It is so common, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that there are around 2,500 reported norovirus outbreaks in the United States each year! This bad bug causes around 58% of the foodborne illnesses acquired in the United States.
Norovirus is spread through direct or indirect contact with someone who is already infected with the virus. This can take place by consuming contaminated food or water or from touching contaminated surfaces and putting your unwashed hands in your mouth or eating.
It is spread through what is known as “fecal-oral route.”
It only takes a microscopic amount (trace amounts so small they cannot be seen with the naked eye) to spread the illness. It is impossible to detect norovirus contamination with your own senses. You cannot see, smell, or taste the contamination.
The virus lives and grows in the digestive system of the infected host. It then leaves the host during bowel movements and is found in the feces of the infected person.
Poor hygiene activities after using the restroom are the most common mode of transmission. When an infected person does not wash their hands or ineffectively washes their hands after using the restroom, they can spread the illness.
Helping someone in the restroom or changing the diaper of an infected person without adequate handwashing can also spread the illness.
It doesn’t take much to spread this illness. One poor handwash in an infected food service worker can contaminate work surfaces and food, leading to a norovirus outbreak in restaurant patrons and/or other restaurant employees.
The most notable symptoms of norovirus infection are vomiting and diarrhea. For this reason, it is sometimes referred to as “the stomach bug” or “stomach flu” despite being an entirely unrelated virus from influenza due to some overlapping symptoms.
Common symptoms of norovirus infection include:
There is no cure for norovirus and due to the viral nature, no antibiotic treatment is effective against this type of infection. An infection also does not give you future immunity like some viruses. You can become infected with norovirus many times throughout your life.
If infected, your best bet is to hydrate and rest until symptoms subside. If symptoms become severe or you become dehydrated, seek medical attention right away.
If you become sick from this norovirus outbreak in Edgartown, there are a few things to keep in mind to help yourself throughout this difficult experience.
Gastrointestinal illness like the norovirus outbreak in Edgartown can deplete the body of important fluid. Especially if more water is leaving your system than you can replace.
Drink plenty of fluids and electrolyte drinks to maintain hydration. Avoid caffeinated or sugary drinks, as they could make your situation even worse.
An active outbreak investigation relies on data. Most cases of norovirus infection are mild enough that the afflicted does not require medical attention. These cases go unreported, leaving gaps in the investigation.
Even if you do not require medical attention, report your foodborne illness to your local health department.
After reporting your illness, your health care provider or local health department will likely contact you for an interview. You will be asked to make a list of all of the foods and drinks you have consumed in the weeks prior to becoming sick.
Be as complete and accurate as possible. Include where you got the food and where you ate it.
Make this list as early as you are able to, while it is fresh in your mind. It is important that this list is complete and accurate.
Foodborne illness is never fun. Especially if your symptoms are severe.
Medical bills, missed work, lost wages, and other burdens associated with foodborne illness add up. An experienced Norovirus Lawyer can help answer questions you may have about your legal rights, point you in the right direction for appropriate treatment, and help gather important evidence that can help your case. Even investigate the source of your illness.
If you have been impacted by this norovirus outbreak in Edgartown and want to file a legal claim, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has a norovirus Lawyer that can help!
Foodborne illness is inconvenient, disruptive to your personal and professional life, and in some cases serious or life-threatening. Most of the time foodborne illness is completely preventable. Lapses in food safety and sanitation result in illness.
Call (833) 330-3663 or send an email for a free, no obligation consultation to go over the details of your situation.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)