New Clues In ‘Mystery’ Stomach Illness Ravaging NJ County

SUSSEX COUNTY, NJ — Health officials appear to be a step closer to understanding a nasty stomach illness that is affecting people in Sussex County.

Last week, the Sussex County Division of Health opened up an investigation into a mysterious gastrointestinal illness that was sweeping the county.

Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches, chills, nausea, and fever. Most affected residents got better between one and three days, according to health officials.

Experts were not able to provide an exact number of reported illnesses as the investigation was still underway, but added that reports were still coming in “continuously,” as of Friday.

An update on the investigation, however, indicates the illness may be foodborne.

Health officials ask that anyone who dined out in Sussex County between Jan. 30 and Feb. 1, and has/had the aforementioned symptoms, report to the Sussex County Division of Health.

County officials want to learn more about the patients’ dining experiences to better understand what caused the illness. They can be reached at 973-579-0370.

It’s not clear at this time if the issue is connected to a specific restaurant, food supplier, or other food-related entity.

Patch has reached out to the Sussex County Division of Health for more details on the investigation and will report when the information becomes available.