The Westchester County Health Department has received reports that people have become sick after attending events last weekend at the Hilton Westchester in Rye Brook.
Guests at a benefit for the Pelham Picture House last Saturday night reported feeling sick on Monday, according to a News12 report.
The department believes the sickness is caused by Norovirus, a stomach bug whose symptoms are vomiting and diarrhea. They are working with the hotel to identify the source of the suspected virus.
Read the Health Departments full release here:
The health department has received reports that some people have become sick after attending events last weekend at the Hilton Westchester. We are coordinating our response with both the Hilton and the organizers of these events. Hotel management and staff are being very cooperative and have notified organizers of upcoming events about these recent illnesses. We are working closely with hotel management and staff to ensure every precaution is taken to prevent illness.
We suspect it is caused by Norovirus, a stomach bug whose symptoms are vomiting and diarrhea. We are reaching out to interview all those who may be affected to help determine the source of the illness and to identify any new cases. We don’t know how many are affected yet.
The health department has had inspectors on site daily this week and will continue to do so over the weekend. Inspectors are reviewing sanitary procedures throughout the hotel, as is our routine practice in these situations. Public health nurses are also reaching out to those who may be affected to help determine the source of the illness and to identify any new cases.
For more information about Norovirus go to www.westchestergov.com/health.
How can I avoid getting ill?
To help prevent the spread of the infection, wash hands thoroughly after each toilet visit, between contact with others and before and after preparing your own food.
If you have symptoms, what should you do?
It is important for those who have symptoms to stay home from work and to limit their contact with others to avoid spreading the virus to family members and close contacts. Anyone who experiences nausea, vomiting or diarrhea should not go to work and should not handle food for others while ill. You also may want to contact your physician.Unfortunately, there is no treatment other than to make sure to drink plenty of fluids. The illness must just run its course. Most people usually recover in a couple of days.
What is Norovirus?
A common cause of vomiting and diarrhea in this kind of setting is Norovirus. Norovirus is a group of viruses that can cause acute gastrointestinal discomfort and illness.
Statement from Hilton Worldwide (4/26/2013, 3:14 p.m.)
Hilton Westchester has been working cooperatively with the Westchester County Department of Health regarding illnesses reported by individuals who attended events at the hotel. In response to these reports, the department of health sanitarians have thoroughly inspected the premises and are working together with hotel management and staff to ensure the safety and well-being of our guests and team members. The hotel is making every effort to ensure that all practices and standards are in line with safety and sanitation guidelines.
Did you attend an event at the Hilton? Let us know in the comments below.
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