Stomach Virus Sickens Attendees at Hilton Westchester

The Westchester County Health Department has reported an outbreak of what is believed to be Norovirus among those attending events at the Hilton Westchester, a.k.a the Rye Town Hilton during the weekend of April 20 and 21. Symptoms of the stomach bug are vomiting and diarrhea and an unconfirmed number of guests fell ill after leaving the Hilton. The Health Department first sent out an alert on April 26 to report the outbreak and followed up with another release on April 30th reporting that they are continuing to investigate the cause of the virus and put a stop to it.

Among the steps currently being taken are:

1. Arranging for an outside contractor to provide an industrial cleaning of all hotel surfaces, with a special focus on the banquet halls;
2. Contracting for corporate health staff and corporate sanitarians to be present and to assist in assuring that all health department recommendations are being carried out by staffers;
3. Discontinuing service of uncooked foods that are prepared on site, and substituting commercially prepared salads and uncooked fruits; and
4. Providing a 72-hour paid furlough to all banquet service and kitchen staff starting now through Friday night.

According to the Rye Patch, attendees at the Pelham Picture House Big Night Spring Gala held on April 20 were victims as well as attendees of other events that weekend.

Visit www.westchestergov.com/health for more information about Norovirus.