Norovirus Outbreak Suspected At 2 Lakewood Taco Joints

LAKEWOOD, WA - More than 50 people reported experiencing Norovirus-like illnesses after eating at two different taco restaurants in Lakewood since Thursday, Feb. 21, according to the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. Incidentally, health officials have not made any connection between the two possible outbreaks.

On Thursday, the Health Department said both California Tacos and Tijuana Taco were allowed to reopen after taking the proper precautions cleaning and sanitizing the restaurants during a Health Department-imposed 24-hour closure. The Tijuana Taco truck was also temporarily shut down, though no customers of the taco truck reported getting sick.

Health officials issued the 24-hour forced closure at California Tacos on Tuesday, and the 24-hour closure at Tijuana Taco on Wednesday. California Tacos, located at 14818 Union Ave. SW, was allowed to reopen after 3 p.m. Feb. 27. Tijuana Taco, located at 1005 Bristol Ave. SW, reopened the morning of Feb. 28.

Also on Feb. 28, the Health Department received reports from six more sickened people who said they ate at California Tacos during the suspected Norovirus outbreak timeframe, bringing the total there to 17 people.

Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department investigators first reported the potential outbreak at California Tacos on Feb. 26, noting three people from the same dining group but different households reported Norovirus-like symptoms after eating at California Tacos on Feb. 24.

The Health Department's investigation so far has revealed two California Tacos employees were ill between Feb. 20 and 23. Tests will confirm whether either employee was infected with Norovirus, though the 17 people who've reported being sick all visited the restaurant sometime after Feb. 20.

Regarding the Tijuana Tacos outbreak, 38 customers who ate at the restaurant on Feb. 22 reported feeling sick Feb. 23. Likewise, two employees who worked Feb. 22 reported feeling sick the following day; both employees will also be tested for Norovirus.

Anyone who has eaten at either restaurant and gotten sick should either email the Health Department at food@tpchd.org, report the illness online, or call 253-798-4712.

For tips on how to recognize Norovirus symptoms and prevent outbreaks in your home, visit tpchd.org/norovirus.

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