After dozens sickened with possible norovirus, Orland Park banquet hall voluntarily shuts down to allow crew to clean facility

ORLAND PARK, Ill. (WLS) -- A popular banquet hall in southwest suburban Orland Park has shut down voluntarily after dozens of people became sickened after attending events at the hall.

Those affected attended parties at the Orland Chateau on December 11 and 12. The Orland Chateau decided to voluntarily shut down so a cleaning service can sanitize the facility.

The Cook County Health Department continues to investigate and said the illnesses are consistent with an outbreak of norovirus, which is spread through contaminated food and surfaces as well as person-to-person contact.

"I was laying on the bathroom floor. I was afraid to leave the bathroom because of severe, violent vomiting and other issues that entail staying in the bathroom," said Bonnie Piet Ryniec, one of those sickened.

Ryniec, who lives in Palos Hills, was among the guests at that part. Organizers Norbert Ziesla said he also got sick, and then his phone started ringing. He counted at least 100 ill guests, nearly half the people at the banquet hall. Some needed a doctor.

"We've got a 94-year-old gentleman that took sick. Some of these people have heart conditions, afraid to take their medicine because they'll just cough it up all up again," Ciesla said.

Doctors say to prevent norovirus you should wash your hands frequently, especially after using the bathroom and before preparing food.