Two groups who dined at the Sheraton Hamilton Hotel last week got sick, prompting local public health officials to temporarily close its kitchen while they investigate. In a news release on Friday, Hamilton Public Health announced that it was looking into reports of a potential foodborne illness at the hotel located at 116 King St. W. The groups ate in a banquet setting at the hotel between Nov. 5 and 7, Hamilton Public Health said, noting that its investigation began two days later on Nov. 9 when it got notified of the cases. None of the people have been hospitalized so far. “At this time, there is no specific food item or confirmed source of the reported illnesses,” Hamilton Public Health said in a statement. “Inspectors are closely monitoring the situation and remain in consistent contact with the operator to review food handling and sanitation practices and collect samples for laboratory testing.” Hamilton Public Health said the decision to temporarily close the hotel’s kitchen was made as a precautionary measure. It added that events at the hotel are still permitted to continue with food preparation completed at another location under the review and oversight of public health officials. Guests who dined at the hotel from Nov. 5 to 10 are being asked to monitor symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, fever, nausea, and abdominal cramps. Anyone who is experiencing these symptoms should immediately seek medical attention if they are worsening, stay home while ill until at least 48 hours after symptoms resolve and report it to Hamilton Public Health. “Individuals who visited the Sheraton Hamilton during this period but are not experiencing symptoms should continue to monitor symptoms, practice good hand hygiene, and follow safe food-handling practices,” Hamilton Public Health said.
