Measles Outbreak Linked to Restaurant in Kansas

A recent outbreak of measles has been traced back to a restaurant in Witchita, Kansas. According to the Witchita Eagle, four cases are thought to have originated at Sal's Japanese Steakhouse. Of the four confirmed infections, three were found in employees of the restaurant. One of those employees has a case thats linked to an outbreak in the Kansas City area. The fourth case occurred in an "unvaccinated infant whose only known exposure was at the restaurant."

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is recommending that anyone who ate the restaurant between June 20 and July 7 and later developed a fever and rashes contact their doctor. A community service coordinator tells The Kansan that if anyone believes they do they have the measles that they should not go to the ER: "It is extremely contagious. If you have been exposed or think you have it, do not go to your doctor — call them. You can spread it just sitting in the waiting room."

While measles outbreaks aren't all that common in restaurants, there have been a few recent cases of norovirus outbreaks. English chef Heston Blumenthal's two Michelin-starred London restaurant Dinner was temporarily shuttered earlier this year after reports of norovirus. Chef René Redzepi's Noma also had an outbreak of norovirus that affected about 63 diners. Go, watch a local news story:

Video: Four More Measles Cases

· Health Department Traces 4 Measles Cases [The Witchita Eagle]
· Four More Measles Cases Reported in Sedgwick County [KDHE]
· Measles Outbreak Linked to Eatery [The Kansan]
· Four More Measles Cases [KSN]
· All Outbreak Coverage on Eater [-E-]