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State blames illnesses on norovirus

By Times Staff Writer
Published February 2, 2007

Well, it wasn't the politics. Approximately 35 people who fell ill after a Jan. 19 County Commission meeting probably had norovirus, the Florida Department of Health confirmed Wednesday. At least one tested positive for the virus, which causes "stomach flu" symptoms but is unrelated to influenza. The department also said that among those testing positive were employees of Mallie Kylas Cafe. Twenty-five people had also gotten sick after eating at Mallie Kylas Cafe on Jan. 19, the same day as the commission meeting, at which the popular Brooksville restaurant served a catered lunch. Health officials said the cafe had followed recommendations that no employees who tested positive be allowed to handle food until follow-up tests showed no signs of the virus. Those tests are scheduled to begin today. Transmission of norovirus can occur by touching contaminated surfaces, sharing utensils with someone who is sick, eating food contaminated by an infected food handler, or having direct contact with someone who is ill and showing symptoms. The best method of protection: Wash your hands.

Panel adds two to judgeship list

At the governor's request, the Judicial Nominating Commission has identified two more finalists to fill a vacant circuit judgeship. Last month, the commission interviewed the 17 candidates and then recommended Inverness prosecutor Bill Catto, Heidi Davis, Robert McLean and Craig Turner as finalists. On Thursday, the commission added Susan Roux Keith and Jonathan Ohlman. Gov. Charlie Crist will select the new judge, who will sit in Marion County. The judge's jurisdiction also will include the 5th Judicial Circuit's other counties: Citrus, Hernando, Lake and Sumter. The new judge takes over for Steve Spivey, who resigned late last year.

[Last modified February 1, 2007, 23:37:49]