Washington Restaurant Closed After 22 Fall Ill

February 26, 2013

Health officials have closed a Vancouver, Wash., restaurant for at least two days after nearly two dozen people reporting becoming ill after eating there.

Clark County public health officials say viral gastroenteritis is suspected in the symptoms reported by 22 people who ate last weekend at Billygan’s Roadhouse. Symptoms included nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Acting Health Officer Dr. Diana Yu closed the restaurant Friday for at least 48 hours so all surfaces and equipment could be sanitized and potentially contaminated food discarded. Yu says restaurant management and staff are following health department recommendations.

The restaurant did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The Columbian says county health department records show Billygan’s received a perfect score on its most recent health inspection in November.