Norovirus Caused Illnesses at Pelham Event

Health officials in Westchester have pinpointed the cause of a stomach bug that sickened several visitors at the Hilton Westchester in Rye Brook over the course of last month. The virus sickened a number of people at Pelham Picture House's "Big Night Spring Gala" and other events that were held at the Hilton Westchester in Rye Brook on April 20.

Tests revealed Wednesday that the norovirus was behind the spate of illnesses, reinforcing officials' previous hunch. Norovirus is contagious, and the most common cause of gastroenteritis in the nation, according to the Center for Disease Control.

Symptoms include vomitting and diarehhea.

To combat the further spread of the highly-contagious illness, the Hilton has complied with the County Health Department's recommendations to carry out an industrial cleaning.

The hotel will also grant a 72-hour paid furlough -- from Wednesday evening to Friday night -- to all banquet service and kitchen staff who were slated to work,  to prevent more contamination.

"The health department has increased its presence at the hotel this week and will have sanitarians present during every event as long as necessary," county health officials told Patch. "Inspectors are reviewing sanitary procedures throughout the hotel, as is our routine practice in these situations."

Some of the precautions workers had been taking at Hilton Westchester before the furlough included all kitchen workers, servers and cleaning staff using gloves. All touch screens in the hotel are now disabled, and all common areas have undergone a special cleaning by an outside contractor. In addition, hand sanitizer is available throughout the entire hotel.

"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," officials added.