Norovirus Foodborne Outbreak Associated with a Self-Service Restaurant in Taipei, 2025

DOI: 10.6524/EB.202509_41(17).0001

Tsung-Han Lee*, Min-Nan Hung, Angela Song-En Huang

2025 Vol.41 NO.17

Correspondence Author： Tsung-Han Lee

Abstract：

During January 7–9, 2025, Taipei City Health Department received reports of 82 individuals who developed vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain after dining at a buffet restaurant on January 5 or 6. A case-control study identified 337 cases, with a single-peak epidemic curve and a median incubation period of 29.5 hours. Norovirus was detected in stool specimens from both kitchen staff and affected patrons. Sushi was identified as the main vehicle of transmission. Environmental investigation revealed potential cross-contamination due to the proximity of the sushi rice and raw seafood preparation areas, which were managed by the same team of kitchen staff. Enhanced hand hygiene practices and improved kitchen zoning, separating high-risk raw seafood preparation from ready-to-eat food areas, were recommended to prevent future outbreaks.