Norovirus caused illness at convention center

Norovirus caused the outbreak of illness last month at a dance competition held downtown, according to the Monroe County Department of Public Health.

Laboratory tests confirmed what health officials had suspected, that a highly contagious norovirus sickened participants and family members, according to health department spokesman John Ricci.

The health department tracked down 300 people who were at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center from Jan. 8 to 10. About 100 reported they had become ill, Ricci wrote in an email this week.

Illnesses reported after dance event at convention center

One local person provided a stool sample for testing, which confirmed the virus. Ricci said the outbreak, which he characterized as the biggest in a while in the community, was not caused by anything at the convention center. Many people who became sick did not eat at the convention center, leading health officials to conclude that the illness spread from person to person.

“This bug is very contagious and spreads very efficiently in close quarters,” Ricci wrote. “It really underscores the message to stay home if sick and to wash hands frequently. We realize that’s not always easy to do, but it really is essential to preventing the spread of such illnesses.”

Ricci said the health department was not able to confirm reports that anyone had been hospitalized, but it would be unusual because the symptoms usually resolve in a day or so.

Early in the investigation, the department inspected the convention center and reported it had passed all tests.

“We feel we run a clean, well-maintained facility,” said Jim Brown, executive director of the convention center. “We have an impeccable reputation in the community.”

One event was canceled a few days after the dance convention. Brown said the facility has hosted numerous events without incident. "I'm glad we're past it and moving forward."

Brown said the outbreak was an unfortunate incident but served as a reminder that the virus isn’t limited to cruise ships, where it has a reputation for havoc. “It reminds you that it happens anywhere.”

PSINGER@Gannett.com