A norovirus outbreak has sickened dozens of people at a Chicago retirement home.
The Chicago Department of Public Health said it began tracking illnesses at The Breakers facility at 5333 North Sheridan Ave. in Chicago’s Edgewater Beach neighborhood last Friday.
At one point, more than 50 patients showed symptoms of the virus, according to CDPH spokesman Matt Smith.
The source of the norovirus outbreak has not yet been determined, but Smith said the area where meals were prepared at the site was inspected and no violations were found.
"They just told us the dining room would be closed and activities would be discontinued," resident Leola Powell said.
"The amazing thing is they've been delivering meals to the residents because the dining room is closed," said resident Ellen Credille.
Smith said the outbreak is especially dangerous for seniors at the facility as symptoms include vomiting, which can lead to dehydration.
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"I vomited in the middle of a meeting. I didn't know why but then I got worse so I took a taxi to the hospital," resident Dieter Klagge said.
Noroviruses are a group of very contagious viruses that cause the “stomach flu,” or gastroenteritis. They do not respond to treatment from antibiotics, health officials say.
Smith said the city health department is working with the facility to properly disinfect and clean and the Illinois Department of Public Health has been notified about the outbreak.
For more information on noroviruses, click here.
