Norovirus caused symptoms in Faccia Luna customers, PA health department confirms
After diners reported getting sick after eating at a popular State College restaurant last weekend, a state agency confirmed the cause of the illness was norovirus, with an investigation ongoing.
Faccia Luna Pizzeria on South Atherton Street closed for three days this week after its employees and multiple customers said they were sick with vomiting and diarrhea after eating there. The state’s departments of health and agriculture have been working with the State College health department throughout the week to investigate the illness.
Dozens of people commented in the Facebook group Foodies of State College about being ill after eating at Faccia Luna, with many pointing to the salad or other foods on the menu.
In a statement Friday, a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Department of Health said norovirus was the cause of the sickness.
“Laboratory evidence has determined that norovirus caused the reported symptoms. The Department continues to investigate the potential transmission source of this outbreak,” the spokesperson said.
Faccia Luna owner Bill McFadden has been adamant that the food wasn’t what made customers ill, and said the restaurant was working with the health department and pledged to “do our best to make sure the place is safe.”
Faccia Luna was closed Monday through Wednesday. The pizzeria’s Facebook page posted in the Foodies of State College group on Friday welcoming its customers back and giving an update on the situation. It said they spent Wednesday cleaning and sanitizing the entire restaurant.
“Over the past week, we have worked diligently alongside the health department to ensure that our restaurant meets the highest standards of cleanliness and safety. Along with many of our patrons last weekend, our staff also came down with cases of the norovirus,” the post states.
The post continued: “We deeply regret the unfortunate situation that occurred and are committed to maintaining a safe and enjoyable dining experience for everyone.”
The health department would not share how many people have reported symptoms related to this outbreak and said the investigation is ongoing.
Norovirus is very contagious and spreads easily, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People can get it from sick people and through contaminated food, water or surfaces. Earlier this week, the borough said those with symptoms should consult with their physician on if they need to be treated.
To report the symptoms of foodborne illness, people can email the borough, healthdept@statecollegepa.us and Betsy Negron, the Pennsylvania Department of Health Epidemiologist for this region, at elnegron@pa.gov.
The state’s department of agriculture oversees restaurant inspections in places that do not have their own local health department. State College is one of the municipalities that does its own restaurant licensing and inspections. The borough did not immediately respond to an inquiry Friday.
