Health authorities in Tazewell County are investigating a potential foodborne illness outbreak stemming from a Washington restaurant.
As of Monday afternoon, Tazewell County Health Department officials said 155 had reported symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, stomachaches, and body aches after dining at the Monical's Pizza in the Cherry Tree Shopping Center.
Tazewell County Health Department director of environmental health Melissa Goetze said an investigation was opened after someone who ate at the restaurant reported getting sick, and noted others who ate there were also ill.
She said the first cases happened early last week. Goetze said those sickened are generally recovering at home within 12 to 24 hours.
Monical's temporarily closed Saturday on the health department's recommendation.
"During this time, we have performed additional aggressive cleaning,discarded all prepared foods,and reinforced training with our staff on proper food handling. Rest assured that we are meeting the guidelines established by local and state health departments," said Monical's Pizza marketing coordinator Jim Hedge in an email.
Monical's will reopen Tuesday with health department approval, Hedge said.
The health department is currently compiling a database of information to submit to state health officials. Goetze said information on shared common symptoms and menu items ordered will help narrow down the causes of the illness.
Goetze recommends anyone who contracted a foodborne illness maintain good hand hygiene, and to fill out a Foodborne Illness Complaint Form.
