The Headlines and News Articles:
Ian Goodfellow, a prominent researcher at England's University of Cambridge, calls norovirus 'the Ferrari of viruses' for the speed at which it passes through a large group of people.
"It can sweep through an environment very, very quickly. You can be feeling quite fine one minute and within several hours suffer continuous vomiting and diarrhea," he said.
A new strain of the norovirus stomach bug that has been sweeping the globe is taking over the United States, researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Thursday.
Health officials have grown better at detecting new strains and figuring out which one is the culprit. They now know that norovirus is also the most common cause of food poisoning in the U.S.
Each year, noroviruses cause an estimated 21 million illnesses and 800 deaths, the CDC says.
Nasty Norovirus Found on Grocery Bag
Dishwashing Won't Kill Tummy-Troubling Norovirus: Study -
Noroviruses are probably the most common cause of stomach bugs in New Zealand and outbreaks (mass illness of many people) are frequent where people live close together eg, rest homes, hostels, restaurants or cruise ships. In New Zealand most outbreaks occur in summer and autumn.
To date, the largest Norovirus outbreak in New Zealand was on 17 June 2006. It was linked to a catering firm who, contrary to cooking instructions, served raw, thawed, imported oysters to fans in a corporate box at a rugby match. An estimated 350 people fell ill with Norovirus infection soon after.
Norovirus particles on food can survive freezing for several months, some even survive the pasteurisation (heat treatment) of milk and the low levels of chlorine used to sanitise drinking water.
Which cleaning products kill stomach flu viruses (norovirus)?
Noroviruses are a group of related viruses. Infection with these viruses affects the stomach and intestines and causes an illness called gastroenteritis (GAS-tro-en-ter-I-tis; inflammation of the stomach and intestines).
Noroviruses are the most common cause of gastroenteritis in the United States. CDC estimates that each year more than 20 million cases of acute gastroenteritis are caused by noroviruses. That means about 1 in every 15 Americans will get norovirus illness each year. Norovirus is also estimated to cause over 70,000 hospitalizations and 800 deaths each year in the United States.
Symptoms of norovirus infection usually include diarrhea, throwing up, nausea, and stomach cramping.
Other, less common symptoms may include low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and general sense of fatigue.
Norovirus illness is usually not serious. Most people get better in 1 to 2 days. But, norovirus illness can be serious in young children, the elderly, and people with other health conditions; it can lead to severe dehydration, hospitalization and even death.
You may get dehydrated if you are not able to drink enough liquids to replace the fluids lost from throwing up or having diarrhea many times a day. Symptoms of dehydration include a decrease in urination, a dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when standing up. Children who are dehydrated may also cry with few or no tears and be unusually sleepy or fussy.
The best way to prevent dehydration is to drink plenty of liquids. Oral rehydration fluids are the most helpful for severe dehydration. But other drinks without caffeine or alcohol can help with mild dehydration. However, these drinks may not replace important nutrients and minerals that are lost due to vomiting and diarrhea.
If you think you or someone you are caring for is severely dehydrated, contact your doctor. For more information on norovirus and dehydration, see norovirus treatment.
Norovirus can spread quickly from person to person in crowded, closed places like long-term care facilities, daycare centers, schools, hotels, and cruise ships. Noroviruses can also be a major cause of gastroenteritis in restaurants and catered-meal settings if contaminated food is served.
The viruses are found in the vomit and stool of infected people. You can get it by
Wash your hands carefully with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and changing diapers and always before eating or preparing food. If soap and water aren't available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. These alcohol-based products can quickly reduce the number of germs on hands in some situations, but they are not a substitute for washing with soap and water.
New Strain of Stomach Bug Spreading Across US
Ian Goodfellow, a prominent researcher at England's University of Cambridge, calls norovirus 'the Ferrari of viruses' for the speed at which it passes through a large group of people.A new strain of the norovirus stomach bug that has been sweeping the globe is taking over the United States, researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Thursday.
Health officials have grown better at detecting new strains and figuring out which one is the culprit. They now know that norovirus is also the most common cause of food poisoning in the U.S.
Each year, noroviruses cause an estimated 21 million illnesses and 800 deaths, the CDC says.
Nasty Norovirus Found on Grocery Bag
Dishwashing Won't Kill Tummy-Troubling Norovirus: Study -
Why are Noroviruses a problem?
Although Noroviruses cannot grow outside the body, or in food itself, an infected person easily contaminates any food they come in contact with - as well as any other surfaces. Contaminated food can then infect several people at once.Noroviruses are probably the most common cause of stomach bugs in New Zealand and outbreaks (mass illness of many people) are frequent where people live close together eg, rest homes, hostels, restaurants or cruise ships. In New Zealand most outbreaks occur in summer and autumn.
To date, the largest Norovirus outbreak in New Zealand was on 17 June 2006. It was linked to a catering firm who, contrary to cooking instructions, served raw, thawed, imported oysters to fans in a corporate box at a rugby match. An estimated 350 people fell ill with Norovirus infection soon after.
How are they spread?
As few as 10 Norovirus particles may be enough to infect a healthy person. An infected person sheds many Norovirus particles and can easily transmit the virus to other people through sharing their food, utensils, drinks or touching common surfaces.What are the symptoms?
People get sick suddenly, usually within a day. They have diarrhoea, violent vomiting (often projectile) and stomach cramps. Some sufferers will also have a mild fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, tiredness and nausea. Keeping up fluid intake during this time is important because of the risk of dehydration. The illness only lasts a couple of days and does not usually cause any complications.What kills Noroviruses?
Prevention is the best cure because there is no effective treatment. There are many different strains of Norovirus and no vaccine to help people develop immunity. Antibiotics do not kill viruses so they won’t help someone who is sick with a Norovirus.Norovirus particles on food can survive freezing for several months, some even survive the pasteurisation (heat treatment) of milk and the low levels of chlorine used to sanitise drinking water.
Can I lower my risk of contracting a Norovirus?
Yes - you can avoid most routes of Norovirus exposure by following these steps:- Although any food can be contaminated by the virus, bivalve shellfish (such as those collected recreationally) are sometimes implicated because they are often eaten uncooked. Seawater contamination is monitored in most recreational shellfish collection areas, and warning signs are put up if the collection area is too polluted. Check for warning signs and don’t collect shellfish near sewage outlets
- If possible, cook recreationally collected shellfish thoroughly before eating. Boil them for 3-5 minutes (3 minutes if they’re shelled) or steam for 4-9 minutes. Internal temperature must reach 90oC for 90 seconds to kill the virus particles, hence the recommended long cooking times
- Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly, and cook food well, especially if someone in your household is sick.
- Cook all meat until the juice (blood) runs clear. Make sure your meat is properly defrosted by thawing it covered, in the fridge for 24 hours
- Keep drips of meat juice (blood) away from raw or already cooked food by covering the meat and storing it on the bottom shelf of the fridge
- Don’t prepare food if you’re showing symptoms of a Norovirus infection and for at least 3 days afterwards. Wipe all surfaces including handles with bleach-based household cleaner (follow manufacturer’s instructions)
- Most viruses and other pathogens are washed off your hands with proper washing. Follow the 20-20 rule. Lather your hands with soap then wash for 20 seconds with warm water, then dry your hands for 20 seconds with a dry, clean towel or paper towel
- Make sure your own hygiene is meticulous if you are caring for someone who is sick. Keep the toilet area and all bathroom surfaces (toilet, taps, handles etc) really clean with household disinfectant. These are significant sources of infection
- Remove and wash any furnishings - including bedding - that may be contaminated, using soap and hot water (if possible). Viral particles can survive for at least 12 days on some surfaces (workmen at a rest home whose occupants had suffered a bout of Norovirus fell ill with the disease themselves. Viral particles were subsequently discovered in the carpet.)
Which cleaning products kill stomach flu viruses (norovirus)?
The best cleaning product to kill norovirus and other gastroenteritis viruses is household bleach. The CDC recommends using a minimum 2% solution of household bleach in water to kill norovirus1 use a 10% solution made of 0.5 cups bleach with 4.5 cups water. (Household bleach only contains 6% sodium hypochlorite which is the active "bleach" ingredient. The rest is water. So, a 2% solution of household bleach in water is actually only .12% sodium hypochlorite. A 10% solution of household bleach in is water actually only .2% sodium hypochlorite.) Clorox Clean-up with bleach is also a good option. Although, it does not say it kills norovirus on the label, it contains more than the CDC recommended amount of sodium hypochlorite (bleach) so it should do the job. It contains 1.84% sodium hypochlorite. Any cleaning product with more than .12% sodium hypochlorite contains enough bleach to kill norovirus according the CDC guidelines. Cleaning with bleach creates very strong fumes. I would ONLY clean an entire bathroom with bleach if someone actually has the stomach flu (not just every week). Remember that you can’t use bleach on your nice wood floor, and it can discolor and eat holes in fabric. Wear rubber gloves and protective eye ware so you don’t get it in your eyes. Do not use chlorine bleach to clean your hands. Also, chlorine bleach usually can’t be used at the same time as other cleaning chemicals because a poisonous gas can be produced. So, use bleach by itself.
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WEDNESDAY, Dec. 12 (HealthDay News) -- Commercial dishwashers can kill everyday bacteria but not norovirus, the cause of stomach flu and many foodborne illnesses around the world, according to a new study.
Norovirus Outbreak Confirmed in
Arlington Public Schools
December 12, 2012 6:58 PM
ARLINGTON, Va. (CBSDC) - Parents of children in Arlington have officially been put on watch after the state of Virginia confirmed a Norovirus outbreak in the area.
Arlington Public Schools sent out a letter Wednesday alerting parents of the highly contagious virus after four cases of the virus were reported in the area.
A public health physician for Arlington County says the state of Virginia only needs to test two cases before confirming an outbreak.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
2 Arlington Schools Suffer With Norovirus
7:56 AM, Dec 13, 2012
ARLINGTON, Va. (WUSA) -- Parents in Arlington County need to know norovirus has surfaced at two schools.
Parents of students at Patrick Henry Elementary and Randolph Elementary received notices about the outbreak Wednesday.
December 12, 2012 6:58 PM
ARLINGTON, Va. (CBSDC) - Parents of children in Arlington have officially been put on watch after the state of Virginia confirmed a Norovirus outbreak in the area.
Arlington Public Schools sent out a letter Wednesday alerting parents of the highly contagious virus after four cases of the virus were reported in the area.
A public health physician for Arlington County says the state of Virginia only needs to test two cases before confirming an outbreak.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
2 Arlington Schools Suffer With Norovirus
7:56 AM, Dec 13, 2012
ARLINGTON, Va. (WUSA) -- Parents in Arlington County need to know norovirus has surfaced at two schools.
Parents of students at Patrick Henry Elementary and Randolph Elementary received notices about the outbreak Wednesday.
Noroviruses are a group of related viruses. Infection with these viruses affects the stomach and intestines and causes an illness called gastroenteritis (GAS-tro-en-ter-I-tis; inflammation of the stomach and intestines).
Anyone Can Get Norovirus
Anyone can be infected with noroviruses and get sick. Also, you can get norovirus illness more than once during your life. The illness often begins suddenly. You may feel very sick, with stomach cramping, throwing up, or diarrhea.Noroviruses are the most common cause of gastroenteritis in the United States. CDC estimates that each year more than 20 million cases of acute gastroenteritis are caused by noroviruses. That means about 1 in every 15 Americans will get norovirus illness each year. Norovirus is also estimated to cause over 70,000 hospitalizations and 800 deaths each year in the United States.
Many Names, Same Symptoms
You may hear norovirus illness called "food poisoning" or "stomach flu." It is true that food poisoning can be caused by noroviruses. But, other germs and chemicals can also cause food poisoning. Norovirus illness is not related to the flu (influenza), which is a respiratory illness caused by influenza virus.Symptoms of norovirus infection usually include diarrhea, throwing up, nausea, and stomach cramping.
Other, less common symptoms may include low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and general sense of fatigue.
Norovirus illness is usually not serious. Most people get better in 1 to 2 days. But, norovirus illness can be serious in young children, the elderly, and people with other health conditions; it can lead to severe dehydration, hospitalization and even death.
You may get dehydrated if you are not able to drink enough liquids to replace the fluids lost from throwing up or having diarrhea many times a day. Symptoms of dehydration include a decrease in urination, a dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when standing up. Children who are dehydrated may also cry with few or no tears and be unusually sleepy or fussy.
The best way to prevent dehydration is to drink plenty of liquids. Oral rehydration fluids are the most helpful for severe dehydration. But other drinks without caffeine or alcohol can help with mild dehydration. However, these drinks may not replace important nutrients and minerals that are lost due to vomiting and diarrhea.
If you think you or someone you are caring for is severely dehydrated, contact your doctor. For more information on norovirus and dehydration, see norovirus treatment.
Norovirus Spreads Quickly
Norovirus and Food
Norovirus is a leading cause of disease from contaminated foods in the United States. Foods that are most commonly involved in foodborne norovirus outbreaks include leafy greens (such as lettuce), fresh fruits, and shellfish (such as oysters). However, any food item that is served raw or handled after being cooked can become contaminated with noroviruses.
The viruses are found in the vomit and stool of infected people. You can get it by
- Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus (someone gets stool or vomit on their hands, then touches food or drink).
- Touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus and then putting your hand or fingers in your mouth.
- Having direct contact with a person who is infected with norovirus (for example, when caring for someone with norovirus or sharing foods or eating utensils with them).
Norovirus: No Vaccine and No Treatment
There is no vaccine to prevent norovirus infection. Also, there is no drug to treat people who get sick from the virus. Antibiotics will not help if you have norovirus illness. This is because antibiotics fight against bacteria, not viruses. The best way to reduce your chance of getting norovirus is by following some simple tips.Stop the Spread of Norovirus
Practice proper hand hygiene
Wash your hands carefully with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and changing diapers and always before eating or preparing food. If soap and water aren't available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. These alcohol-based products can quickly reduce the number of germs on hands in some situations, but they are not a substitute for washing with soap and water.Take care in the kitchen
Carefully wash fruits and vegetables, and cook oysters and other shellfish thoroughly before eating them.Do not prepare food while infected
People with norovirus illness should not prepare food for others while they have symptoms and for 3 days after they recover from their illness. (see For Food Handlers: Norovirus and Working with Food)Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces
After throwing up or having diarrhea, immediately clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces by using a bleach-based household cleaner as directed on the product label. If no such cleaning product is available, you can use a solution made with 5 tablespoons to 1.5 cups of household bleach per 1 gallon of water.Wash laundry thoroughly
Immediately remove and wash clothing or linens that may be contaminated with vomit or stool. Handle soiled items carefully—without agitating them—to avoid spreading virus. If available, wear rubber or disposable gloves while handling soiled clothing or linens and wash your hands after handling. The items should be washed with detergent at the maximum available cycle length and then machine dried.More Information
- CDC Norovirus web site
- Norovirus Treatment
- Norovirus Trends and Outbreaks
- For Food Handlers: Norovirus and Working with Food
- Norovirus in Healthcare Settings, general information on norovirus and prevention in healthcare facilities
- Handwashing: Clean Hands Save Lives, hand- and water-related hygiene tips
- Put Your Hands Together [PODCAST - 3:48 minutes], information on how to help stop the spread of infection and stay healthy
- Foodborne Burden
- Tips for Healthy Cruising
- CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program
- Epidemiology of Foodborne Norovirus Outbreaks, United States, 2001–2008. Emerg Infect Dis [Internet]. 2012 Oct
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