WASHINGTON — The number of people who reported becoming ill after attending a food festival in Ocean City earlier this month has increased, according to Maryland health officials.
Health officials in Maryland are investigating an outbreak of the stomach flu among those who attended the “Shell Shocked” beer and oyster festival at Fager’s Island restaurant on Nov. 4.
Officials said Monday that 164 reported cases of the illness could be connected to the outbreak.
Initially, the Maryland Department of Health said the number of people sick was 145.
“The department is continuing to work with the Worchester County Health Department to investigate a gastroenteritis outbreak among attendees,” the state’s health department said in a statement. “Testing is underway to identify the cause of the outbreak.”
Worcester County Environmental Health staff were on-site this past weekend to conduct a facility check and to make sure any employees who were ill were excluded from working.
There were no reports of anyone becoming sick at the restaurant after that Nov. 4 event.
Those who reported having symptoms are from Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.
Fager’s Island’s general manager said the restaurant is working with the health department to determine the cause. He said all regulations have been followed and will continue to be followed to ensure proper food safety.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
