While attending university in Guelph I made the trek from Sault Ste. Marie, through Michigan, a few times a year. A quick Google Maps search reveals Lake Orion, MI, where Canterbury Castle is located, was less than an hour off my regular route.

According to ClickOnDetroit.com, nearly 100 people have become ill with what is believed to be norovirus, after dining at the castle this week.

Nevin Mitchell, who attended a fundraiser with his family at the castle, said,

"First we threw up, a lot, until we couldn’t throw up anymore. Then we had severe muscle and stomach cramps. And diarrhea, I’m afraid to admit."

Nevin and his family were luckier than others. According to the fundraiser organizer, one attendee was treated for four days after becoming ill.

“Complete weakness. He couldn’t even lift his hand up to take a phone number down for the health department from me."

People who attended two other Canterbury Castle events, including a wedding, also became ill that night. The [Oakland County Health Department] said the virus is usually spread by improper hand washing.

What’s more important, is encouraging food handlers to stay home if they are ill, and for 2 or 3 days after feeling better in the case of norovirus. Many outbreaks of norovirus have occurred in foodservice.

Symptoms of norovirus typically appear 12 to 48 hours after ingestion of the virus, and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps, usually lasting for 1 or 2 days.