WEB EXTRA: Local restaurant closes after more than 200 get sick

Bravo! Cucina Italiana restaurant voluntarily closed its doors Thursday night after more than 200 customers contacted the Ingham County Health Department saying they had gotten sick after eating at the restaurant.

Both the health department and spokespersons for the restaurant have confirmed that there is no sign of what has caused this problem, and an investigation is underway.

Pamela Ritz, spokeswoman for Bravo! in Columbus, Ohio, said that not only has this Bravo! closed its doors voluntarily, but it has been completely cooperative with the health department.

"We are taking on a proactive approach," Ritz said. "We brought in help from the corporate level, are working with the health department and taking all the necessary steps to make sure we find and eliminate all variables involved."

Natasha Davidson, a risk communication specialist with the health department, said that Bravo! is following the steps needed to fix this problem and is willing to do anything necessary to solve the problem.

"Bravo! has been very cooperative," Davidson said. "They are now going along with the three-step process that we suggested helps in making sure the health issue is resolved."

If anyone has eaten at Bravo! since May 3 and is experiencing flu-like symptoms, call the Ingham County Health Department at (517) 272-4175, or e-mail health@ingham.org. Bravo! is also taking calls for any questions at (800) 328-7761.

For more on this story see Monday's edition of The State News.