Officials at the Louisiana Department of Health recently confirmed that more than 200 people who attended events at L’Auberge Casino in Lake Charles were affected by norovirus.
The highly contagious virus is a gastrointestinal illness that can cause vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain. LDH Regional Medical Director Dr. Lacy Cavanaugh said symptoms begin 24 to 48 hours after an individual is infected and can last up to two days; however, people are contagious as soon as they show symptoms and often up to three weeks after the symptoms disappear.
“How it started at this point doesn’t really matter anymore, because now we are getting transmission within the community,” Cavanagh said. “So, however people picked it up in that setting, they are now taking it home and spreading it from one family member to another family member to another family member, so that is the real message that we need to get out today.”
LDH Public Information Officer Sean Ellis said the outbreak also hit Calcasieu and Vernon Parishes, but the health department does not “see this as a further threat to the public,” although it’s continuing to monitor the situation closely. The department has requested that anyone who has experienced norovirus symptoms complete an online survey.
L’Auberge General Manager Michael Pendergast stated, “L’Auberge du Lac is aware of reported incidents of a stomach-related illness among a few guests and team members. The comfort and safety of our guests and team members is always our paramount concern, and we are cooperating fully with state health officials who are looking into the reports. In the meantime, we have stringent sanitation procedures in place.”
