Published Date: 2004-01-17 23:50:00
Subject: PRO/EDR> Viral gastroenteritis update 2004 (01)
Archive Number: 20040117.0182
VIRAL GASTROENTERITIS UPDATE 2004 (01)
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A ProMED-mail post
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International Society for Infectious Diseases
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In this update:
[1] Hospitals (England: south west)
[2] Schools (USA: Wisconsin)
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[1]
Date: Sun 11 Jan 2004
From: ProMED-mail <promed@promedmail.org>
Source: BBC News online, Sun 11 Jan 2004 [edited]
<http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/devon/3387081.stm>
England: norovirus outbreak in Devon hospitals now under control
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There have been no new cases at the Royal Devon and Exeter hospital over
the weekend. At Torbay Hospital, only one ward remains closed to new
admissions. There are still 4 wards closed at Plymouth's Derriford
Hospital, with 2 others being kept under close observation to ensure the
virus has not spread.
All the hospitals are asking outpatients to turn up for their appointments
as planned. But visitors are being urged to stay away for the time being,
particularly if they have had flu or sickness recently.
Noroviruses causes sickness and diarrhoea. The virus is always present in
the general population. But in a hospital, where so many people with
[compromised] immune systems are close together, it is easy for the virus
to spread. Infection control relies on acting quickly to isolate and clean
wards whenever there is a suspected case of the virus.
--
Pablo Nart
<pablo.nart@ntlworld.com>
******
[2]
Date: Fri 16 Jan 2004
From: ProMED-mail <promed@promedmail.org>
Source: Gannett Wisconsin Newspapers, Fri 16 Jan 2004 [edited]
<http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/news/archive/local_14193726.shtml>
USA: norovirus outbreak closes school in Oshkosh (Wisconsin)
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South Park Middle School in Oshkosh is cancelling classes on Fri 16 Jan
2004, after many students became sick. The school will be scrubbed down and
disinfected on Thursday night, as officials try to control the virus. The
outbreak started at Jefferson Elementary School and health officials say it
probably spread from there.
The school district is taking a more aggressive approach than Jefferson
Elementary after meeting with state public health officials. Administrators
say closing and cleaning the school will help reduce the exposure of
students to norovirus. "By closing tomorrow, we can clean through the
weekend and try to stop the problem," South Park principal Lisa McLaughlin
said. The Oshkosh district will also keep a watchful eye on students who
get sick at other schools. They plan to put the city's parochial schools on
alert, too.
Noroviruses are notorious for making hundreds of people sick on cruise
ships. Symptoms, which can include vomiting and diarrhea, come on suddenly.
Norovirus infection can leave kids sick and dehydrated for a day or 2. The
virus is highly contagious. It is chiefly spread by children [or anyone
else] who don't wash their hands after using the bathroom; touching common
surfaces; or sharing food, utensils, or cups.
[byline: Kathryn Bracho]
--
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>
See Also
Norovirus activity 2002-2003 - UK (England) 20040104.00342003
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Viral gastroenteritis update 2003 (28) 20031227.3141
Norovirus activity 2002 - USA 20030123.0206
Viral gastroenteritis update 2003 (01) 20030108.0058
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