Norovirus hit Noto's Easter buffet

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - It was norovirus that made 166 people sick after eating at Noto's Old World Italian restaurant April 12.

The Kent County Health Department investigators have not confirmed the exact source of the illness, but say the virus made its way into the restaurant by one person or a group of people at the Easter Sunday brunch buffet.

The department surveyed 240 people who ate at the restaurant, 6600 28th St., and discovered 166 had vomiting and diarrhea. Of those surveyed, 134 were female and 106 were male.

There are no known hospitalizations.

Norovirus is a common virus that spreads easily from person to person.

The online questionnaire remains posted.  Anyone who dined at Noto's on April 12, regardless of whether or not symptoms of illness occurred, is asked to respond.

The restaurant completed a thorough cleaning of the building before reopening to patrons.