Dramatic increase in those sick from Kan. dinner theater norovirus

By ALEX SMITH

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is investigating an outbreak of norovirus, shown here, at the New Theatre Restaurant in Overland Park. CREATIVE COMMONS / PUBLIC DOMAIN IMAGES — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is investigating an outbreak of norovirus, shown here, at the New Theatre Restaurant in Overland Park.
CREATIVE COMMONS / PUBLIC DOMAIN IMAGES

A food-borne virus traced to an Overland Park dinner theater has sickened even more people than originally thought, health authorities say.

More than 600 people have now reported symptoms of norovirus after attending the New Theatre Restaurant in mid-January.

Since the first reports of the illness, state and local health authorities have been working with the popular venue on cleanup and safe food practices.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment says the New Theatre hired a private company to clean the facility with an approved disinfectant that kills the norovirus and is safe for food establishments.

Norovirus is highly infectious and can cause diarrhea and vomiting, among other symptoms. Transmission can occur through food or water or by touching contaminated surfaces.

Alex Smith is a reporter, and partner in the Heartland Health Monitor team. You can reach him on Twitter @AlexSmithKCUR