A small outbreak of a norovirus-like illness is believed to be connected to the Mazatlan Restaurant at 110 Cross Street SE in Auburn, according to Public Health-Seattle & King County.

Since May 24, 2021, 13 people from one meal party reported becoming ill after consuming food from Mazatlan Restaurant on May 21, 2021. No ill employees have yet been identified, according to the health department.

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that frequently spreads person-to-person and is often associated with food. Norovirus illness often has a sudden onset of nausea and vomiting and/or watery diarrhea with cramps. A low-grade fever, chills and body aches sometimes occur.

“We have not identified how norovirus was spread within the restaurant. This is not uncommon for norovirus outbreaks because the virus can spread through multiple contaminated food items, environmental surfaces, and from person to person,” according to Public Health’swebsite.

Environmental health investigators visited the restaurant on May 26. Investigators did not find any risk factors that are known to contribute to the spread of norovirus. The restaurant closed voluntarily to conduct a thorough cleaning and disinfection. Investigators will revisit the restaurant within two weeks to ensure ongoing compliance with proper food handling practices.

Based on prior food safety inspections, the restaurant’s current safety grade is “Good.”