A $1 burrito promotion at Northwestern backfires explosively after a norovirus outbreak

• An outbreak of norovirus among the students at Northwestern is tied to a $1 burrito promotion.
• The Evanston Department of Health say the outbreak is linked to Big Wig Tacos & Burritos.
• Shortly the $1 burrito deal, dozens of students complained of vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.

When a local Evanston eatery advertised $1 burritos for students, deal-seeking undergrads rushed in to fill their bellies — only to soon empty them again.

The $1 burrito promotion offered by local "no-frills" Mexican restaurant Big Wig Tacos & Burritos on November 18 has reportedly triggered a minor outbreak of norovirus among Northwestern University's student body.

According to officials with the Evanston Health and Human Services Department, shortly after consuming food from the restaurant on the day of the promotion, students began complaining of norovirus symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.

With Big Wig Tacos & Burritos' cooperation, investigators are working to pinpoint the specific origin of the contamination.

The highly infectious norovirus spreads quickly in settings like college campuses, restaurants, and cruise ships if proper hand hygiene protocols are not thoroughly followed.

Authorities say the restaurant will undertake a deep cleaning during a planned temporary closure.

All patrons who ate at Big Wig Tacos & Burritos on the date of the promotion are being asked to fill out a related health questionnaire to aid containment efforts, even if they are not exhibiting symptoms.

Big Wig Tacos & Burritos did not respond to a request for comment.