Chicago

Food at Shedd Aquarium Ruled Out in Prom Night Illnesses

It wasn't the food.

County health officials say there appears to be no connection between food served at Chicago's Shedd Aquarium and flu-like symptoms suffered by more than 100 students from Victor J. Andrew High School.

The school in southwest suburban Tinley Park held its prom at the aquarium on April 27. 

The school received reports of 111 of the 400 students who attended the prom fell ill with “flu-like symptoms” that weekend, according to a statement from Principal Bob Nolting. Two students tested positive for norovirus. 

Kimberley Conrad-Junius, a spokeswoman at the health department, tells The Daily Southtown that several students felt ill before the big event.

Shedd Aquarium spokeswoman Andrea Rodgers said the aquarium notified its food service provider, Sodexo, after learning about the illnesses.

Rodgers and a Sodexo spokesperson said they “do not believe there are any safety concerns related to food or drink being served to our guests visiting the aquarium."

Norovirus is contagious and causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea and fever.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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