Health department investigating illness outbreak at Kirtland Country Club

The Lake County General Health District and Ohio Department of Health are investigating an outbreak of illness at the Kirtland Country Club.

“The Kirtland Country Club reached out to us that they received reports that people became ill after events over the Mother’s Day weekend,” said Dawn Cole, public information officer for the Lake County General Health District. “All events from Tues. May 16 through today (May 18) in the main building have been temporarily suspended.”

Cole said she did not yet have specifics on how many employees and diners might have been affected, or what the suspected illness is.

“Right now it’s too early. We should have the results of the lab tests by the end of next week,” she said.

Country club General Manager Mark Petzing said he started receiving phone calls from members and guests complaining of being ill on the morning of May 16.

“We immediately called the Health Department and voluntarily stopped all food and beverage services,” he said. “The Health Department has taken food samples for testing and we have been working handin-hand with them.

“To ensure a thorough sanitation process is followed, we have retained an independent environmental health expert to assist and supervise us in the sanitation and disinfection process. The Kirtland Country Club is committed to upholding its high food standards and excellent track record we’ve been known for.”

The club is located at 39438 Kirtland Road in Willoughby.