Posted on 12/12/2002 6:31:07 AM PST by UKCajun
Ontario: Viral Gastroenteritis Outbreaks in Healthcare Facilities
More than 200 Londoners (Canada) are sick with the suspected Norwalk virus infection that has closed hospital and long-term care facilities across the province. Most of the ill are residents and staff at Dearness Home, although there are suspect cases at Parkwood Hospital and a local child-care centre. "We don't know yet if any of these cases are caused by Norwalk virus," said Dr. Bryna Warshawsky, assistant medical officer of health. "But it spreads quickly and we want people who are vomiting or have diarrhea to take precautions so it doesn't spread."
At Dearness, an estimated 150 residents and 50 staff have become ill. Visitors are being advised to take precautions, such as hand washing, and to confine their visits and not wander through other areas of the facility. Some programs and outings were cancelled to avoid spreading the virus. "It's on the wane," said nurse Jane Yates when contacted last night. "Things are getting back to normal."
In a news release yesterday, Dr. Colin D'Cunha, Ontario's chief medical officer of health, urged Ontarians to take precautions to avoid contracting the virus. Hospitals in Toronto, Brampton, Kitchener and Brantford -- as well as some in Alberta, Quebec and New Brunswick -- have been forced to restrict access because of the virus.
Warshawsky said proper hygiene will reduce the risk of contracting and spreading the virus. The virus is spread through poor hand-washing (particularly after using the washroom), the sharing of food and utensils with an infected person, or coming into contact with an infected surface such as door handles. The best way to prevent the spread is by washing hands thoroughly after each trip to the washroom. Objects such as taps, door handles, banisters, toilets, and bath rails should be cleaned frequently. If you have the virus, Warshawsky said, it's important to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration and to wash hands properly to not infect others. Milk products should be avoided. Those with symptoms should stay away from hospitals, day-care centres, schools, and group settings until symptom-free.
Several of the residents in the nursing home died from it.
As for it being a terrorist attack, I sincerely doubt it: when you're sick with this, you are pretty near completely incapacitated. Just getting up to go to the can is a struggle, and any walk of more than about 50 feet is going to mess your underwear
This should help. Since they don't have a test, it gets assigned to be a Norwalk virii. They could say Flu as well in my opinion. I don't see any cases of weaponized Norwalk being discussed.
What is Norwalk virus infection?
Norwalk virus infection is an intestinal illness that often occurs in outbreaks.
What is the infectious agent that causes Norwalk virus infection?
Norwalk virus infection is caused by the Norwalk virus. The virus was first identified in 1972 after an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness in Norwalk, Ohio. Later, other viruses with similar features were described and called Norwalk-like viruses. These have since been classified as members of the calicivirus family.
Where is Norwalk virus found?
Norwalk and Norwalk-like viruses are found worldwide. Humans are the only known hosts. The viruses are passed in the stool of infected persons.
How do people get Norwalk virus infection?
People get Norwalk virus infection by swallowing food or water that has been contaminated with stool from an infected person. Outbreaks in the United States are often linked to eating raw shellfish, especially oysters and clams. Shellfish become contaminated via stool from sick food handlers or from raw sewage dumped overboard by recreational and/or commercial boaters. Contaminated water, ice, eggs, salad ingredients, and ready-to-eat foods are other sources of infection.
Who is at risk for Norwalk virus infection?
Anyone can get Norwalk virus infection, but it may be more common in adults and older children.
What are the signs and symptoms of Norwalk virus infection?
How soon after exposure do symptoms appear?
Symptoms usually appear in 1 to 2 days after swallowing contaminated food or water.
How is Norwalk virus infection diagnosed?
Laboratory diagnosis is difficult. Diagnosis is often based on the combination of symptoms and the short time of illness.
What is the treatment for Norwalk virus infection?
No specific treatment is available. Persons who are severely dehydrated might need rehydration therapy.
How common is Norwalk virus infection?
Norwalk and Norwalk-like viruses are increasingly being recognized as leading causes of foodborne disease in the United States. However, since no routine diagnostic test is available, the true prevalence is not known. Norwalk and Norwalk-like viruses have been linked to outbreaks of intestinal illness on cruise ships and in communities, camps, schools, institutions, and families.
Many oyster-related outbreaks of intestinal illness linked to Norwalk-like viruses have been reported in Louisiana, Florida, Maryland, and other states where oyster harvesting is common. In 1993, 73 people in Louisiana and about 130 others in the United States who ate oysters from Louisiana became ill. A malfunctioning sewage system was the cause of an outbreak in 1996. An outbreak in 1997 was linked to sewage from oyster-harvesting boats.
How can Norwalk virus be prevented?
This fact sheet is for information only and is not meant to be used for self-diagnosis or as a substitute for consultation with a health-care provider. If you have any questions about the disease described above, consult a health-care provider.
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