Tag Archives: noro

International

Norovirus / Tummy Bug update, 12 May 2013: Baby diaper changing stations spreading the disease!

In Oregon U.S.A., health investigators are blaming a 2012 outbreak on a baby diaper changing station in a car dealership.  It happened during an employee meeting, where catered sandwiches were served.  State health officials immediately suspected the restaurant that provided the sandwiches, because of their poor health inspection record. However, inspectors got a surprise.  It turns out that one woman/customer at the dealership brought her child, who was sick.  Employees said she took the toddler to the restroom and then left immediately after.  One employee inspected the restroom and found diaper changing station a “mess” and tried to clean it up with a paper towels.  She did not wear gloves and did not use bleach.  She then opened the door for employees bringing in the sandwiches, and she was the first employee to take a sandwich from the tray.  Bingo, bamo, 16 employees sick and wishing they’d never attended the meeting.

But wait, there’s more.  The owner of the car dealership had the restroom professionally cleaned, twice, after the incident, yet Oregon health inspectors found that the diaper changing station still had baby crap on it!!!  Officials said think twice about using that diaper changing station: “I’d really think twice about using them unprotected.”-Kimberly Repp, Washington County epidemiologist

In Washington U.S.A., Grant County Health District quarantining the Longview Elementary school, after at least 100 students were out sick.  The school in the Moses Lake School District is being scrubbed top to bottom.

In sparsely populated Montana U.S.A., record number of cases continue.  Flat Head County reporting spikes in cases in schools and assisted living facilities.

Another cruise ship hit. According to the U.S. CDC, a Crystal Cruises’ ship out of Los Angeles, California U.S.A., got hit causing 125 passengers and 22 crew to get sick.

It was revealed that the Children’s Hospital in Aurora, Colorado U.S.A., is cleaning up after an outbreak.  The outbreak shut down one entire building, after patients and employees got sick.

In Worchester, Massachusetts U.S.A., many people reported getting sick after eating at Ziti’s Restaurant.  However, health inspectors said they could not find any evidence of infection in the restaurant.   It turns out that many food items in the restaurant are actually provided by outside sources.

In Victor, New York U.S.A., several Victor Senior High School students became sick.  The Ontario County Health Department is investigating, but is trying to correct the public’s conception that norovirus and ‘food poisoning’ are the same thing.  Many people have been reporting food poisoning, when in fact what health officials are finding is infections of norovirus.

In Canada, it turns out that norovirus is common in the York area.  A report says many restaurants are sites of outbreaks, due to improper handling and cooking of food, however the outbreaks are not made public.  Before you eat out, call the York Region Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653 or TTY 1-866-252-9933 or visit the YorkSafe site.

In Barnstaple,  England U.K., the North Devon District hospital on visitor restrictions due to an outbreak.

The Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, Scotland U.K., closes ward 3C to visitors due to an outbreak.  Also, the Gilbert Bain Hospital’s ward 1 in Shetland, on visitor restriction.

A report says United Kingdom‘s health care Accident & Emergency services “…performance has deteriorated significantly over the last six months.”  By the end of 2012 one third of hospitals failed to meet standards for A&E services. National Health Services England wants to form special boards to figure out how to fix the problem.  One media source said “…many patients were left lying in their own urine and excrement for days, forced to drink water from vases or given the wrong medication.”  The U.K. Health Minister, Anna Soubry, blamed it on the tax paying public: “If you look at the number of people presenting at A&E it’s grown by one million in just the last year.”

Reports saying a deadly superbug (created by overuse of antibiotics), C.Diff, is now the fastest growing hospital borne disease.  Another report says being depressed makes you more susceptible to infection.  A study published in BMC Medicine says depression directly affects your tummy, making it easier for bugs like Clostridium difficile to take over: “Our finding of a link between depression and C.diff should help us better identify those at risk of infection and perhaps encourage exploration of the underlying brain-gut mechanisms involved.”-Mary Rogers, University of Michigan

But wait, there’s more.  It turns out that treatment for depression, specifically taking anti-depressants, actually makes you even more susceptible to being taken out by the deadly C.Diff!

 

International

Norovirus / Tummy Bug update 06 May 2013: Egypt getting hit hard! Killer superbug bacteria strikes Scotland!

Egypt reporting its fourth outbreak of vomiting bug in the past month.  The latest outbreak involves at least 350 people. Some suspect biological warfare from Israel, because the latest outbreak is in governates along the Sinai Peninsula.  The day prior a smaller outbreak hit the Al-Azhar University, where 25 students became sick.  The university got hit twice before, once on 29 April when 179 students got sick, and on 01 April when 500 people got sick.

The Hilton Westchester (aka Rye Brook hotel), in New York U.S.A., resumed food service on 03 May after three days of trying to sanitize after an outbreak made hundreds of people sick. Westchester County Department of Health officials say you can’t use just any cleanser to sanitize against norovirus.  They estimate that it cost the hotel $50000 USD.

The Visalia Country Club was closed for cleaning because of an outbreak.  The California, U.S.A., golf club will not open until county health officials determine it’s sanitized.  The county linked 51 cases of norovirus directly to the club.

In Santa Rosa County, Florida U.S.A., parents got warnings of possible school closures due to outbreaks in neighboring Escambia County.  Santa Rosa officials say they’re “…just trying to get ahead of the eight ball.”

In Republic of Ireland, the Beaumont Hospital and Saint Joseph’s Hospital Raheny and the Raheny Community Nursing Unit are restricting visitation because of outbreaks.

Reports from people returning from their Holland America cruise from Asia to Vancouver, Canada, that they had to deal with a norovirus outbreak. 28 guests and one employee got sick.  The pools and hot tubs were drained.  It was a 31 day cruise.

The East Surrey Hospital, Redhill U.K., has suspended visitation to four wards because of an outbreak.

The Ronald Reagan school in Wisconsin U.S.A., hit with “stomach bug”.  School officials are not calling it norovirus, but said many students are sick.

In Scotland, health officials are ordering the vaccination of infants against another type of vomiting bug; rotavirus.  Starting this month, all babies born in Scotland will be vaccinated. Health officials say at least 1200 Scottish infants get sick with rotavirus every year.

In the United Kingdom, Doncaster and Bassetlaw NHS Foundation Trust have been hit with a $900000 USD fine.  It’s because of 63 cases of clostridium difficile (C.diff).  The British health system set a minimum number of cases ‘allowed’ at each hospital Trust, and Doncaster and Bassetlaw exceeded that minimum.  C.diff is a superbug bacteria that causes tummy bug symptoms, and is the direct result of using too much antibiotics.  Antibiotics can kill your good bacteria in your gut, allowing C.diff to take over.

And C.diff can be deadly.  In Scotland, two hospitals located in the same health board area are being blasted by relatives of people who died from C.diff.  They claim hospital officials failed to report to the public that there was a C.diff outbreak.  Three people died.  It’s the first time an outbreak of C.diff happened at two hospitals in the same Scottish health board area, at the same time (Victoria in Kirkcaldy and the Queen Margaret in Dunfermline).

18 people at the hospital in Vale of Leven, West Dunbartonshire Scotland, have died from C.diff.  An official government investigation is underway.  There are rumors that National Health Service officials are trying to cover up a massive C.diff outbreak.

International, U.S.

Norovirus update 20 April 2013: Increase in almost all food poisoning cases!

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting that almost all types of food poisoning, both viral and bacterial, are increasing!  The biggest jump in stomach illness is from raw or undercooked shellfish.

In New Mexico U.S.A., a norovirus outbreak hit 17 teachers at the Georgia O’Keeffe Elementary School in Albuquerque.  Department of Health officials say they are expecting the outbreak to hit children next.

In Alaska U.S.A., norovirus continues to spread.  The Girdwood K-8 School hit by 47% absenteeism.  Health officials say they’ve traced the outbreak to two high schools.

In Pennsylvania U.S.A., more than 120 students and teachers became sick at the Saint Katharine of Siena School in Wayne.

In California U.S.A., doctors reporting norovirus spikes in Palm Springs, and numerous cases involving infants in Rancho Mirage.  So far the counties of Imperial and Riverside have the highest number of reported stomach illnesses in the Golden State.

In South Carolina U.S.A., Christian politician Rick Santorum hospitalized after god hit him with a stomach bug!

In New Hampshire U.S.A., the Pembroke Academy drama club had to cancel the opening of their play.  They got sick after eating a take out order from Olive Garden.

The Jersey General Hospital, on the Jersey Channel Islands in United Kingdom, has closed several wards due to outbreaks being reported across the islands: “It is evident there is increasing numbers of suspected norovirus cases within the island community. It is important every islander plays their part in trying to slow down the spread of this highly infectious virus, particularly in public places and catering establishments.”-Gary Kynman, Deputy Director of Operations

In Cumbria, England U.K., the Furness General Hospital closed its Barrow ward because of an outbreak.

Students at Wellfield Junior School in Sale, Manchester U.K., became sick after a school trip to a sheep farm in Cumbria.

In West Yorkshire U.K., the Dewsbury and District Hospital closed because of an outbreak.

The Worcestershire Royal Hospital, Worcester U.K., restricted visitation to its Acute Stroke Unit and Chestnut Ward because of outbreaks.

In Redditch U.K., the Alexandra Hospital closed wards 3 and 12.

The United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust reporting that several wards are down in their hospitals in Lincoln and Boston, Lincolnshire U.K.

In New Zealand, cryptosporidium cases have doubled. More than half the people sick with the parasites were infected after they swam in public pools. Health officials are saying get out of the water: “Many people are not aware that swimming too soon after being sick with diarrhea is a risk for passing infection on to other pool users. People can still pass cryptosporidium on to others for many days after no longer feeling ill.”-Margot McLean, Medical Officer of Health

International, U.S.

Norovirus update, 14 April 2013: Test takers taken out by throwing up! Bioquell to the rescue?

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says one in 15 residents of the United States will get infected every year.

In North Carolina U.S.A., health officials are warning people that they could get norovirus by taking a hike!  Reports say that many hikers who’ve walked the Appalachian Trail near Hot Springs have become sick.  Officials say you should avoid the shelters along that stretch of the trail.

Officials with the Jerome Harrison Elementary school in Connecticut U.S.A.,  are pleading with parents to keep their sick children at home, after an outbreak hit the school.

In Florida U.S.A., schools in Alachua County are preparing to get hit after an outbreak at a local nursing home. The schools are sending flyers home to parents with tips to try and prevent spreading norovirus.

Outbreaks continue to hit Muskegon County, Michigan U.S.A. Classes were canceled on Thursday and Friday for the North Muskegon Public Schools. At least 100 elementary students were sick by Wednesday.  Clean up is bigger than you think: “If someone vomits in the room, you pretty much have to sanitize all the surfaces in the room.”-Ken Kraus, Public Health – Muskegon County

More outbreaks in the U.S. state of Alaska. Anchorage School District officials say the norovirus actually struck in the middle of standardized state exams, with several students suddenly throwing up.  State Health and Social Services workers confirmed it’s a norovirus outbreak, however they can not find the source.

In Denmark, the restaurant with the World’s longest reservation waiting list, is now having all shellfish tested for contamination before being cooked.  Elite restaurant Noma, which was the site of a norovirus outbreak recently, also provides a direct link to recent health inspection results on their website.

In New Zealand, Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton has imposed visitor restrictions due to an outbreak.   Apparently the Kiwis think they’ve come up with a way to kill norovirus bugs: Hydrogen Peroxide.

The Auckland hospital has been testing a new robot janitor, but this one cleans up little nasties that make you sick (and if you’re not careful it’ll clean your clock). It’s called Bioquell, and it sprays hydrogen peroxide.  It’s not for use around humans, the rooms have to be sealed off before it goes to work: “It basically kills every bug known to man, including the little spores of the nastiest bugs. This is a game changer. This is not just a better way of cleaning, this is fundamentally different.”-Mary Seddon, director for quality improvement

Several British hospitals have given the all clear, but many other hospitals are getting hit.  Poole Hospital, Dorset U.K., reported an outbreak last week. Two wards closed to visitors.  And in West Midlands the Sandwell General hospital closed two wards due to outbreaks. The Grantham Hospital in Lincolnshire also restricted visitation. In Cheshire, the Warrington Hospital closed ward A2 to visitors. In York, the York Hospital getting hit with a large outbreak, they blame the visitors: “We have had instances recently where visitors have vomited whilst on our wards, placing patients and staff at risk and causing us to close further ward areas at a time when the hospital is particularly busy.”-Libby McManus, chief nurse

Also in United Kingdom, a norovirus infection triggered a potentially deadly genetic condition in an nine years old girl.  Just hours after getting sick, she became confused. Somehow the stomach bug caused a condition where ammonia builds up in the blood.  She recovered despite doctors telling her parents she had only 72 hours to live, but now she must attend physical therapy sessions.

In Canada, Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit reporting two outbreaks in nursing homes:  “We hope to lift visitor restrictions by Sunday. The problem started about three weeks ago.”-Lorrie Hornick, public health inspector

 

 

International, U.S.

Norovirus update 07 April 2013: Schools hit hard! Man’s best friend being blamed! Stomach bug being confused with meningitis, with deadly results! Resistant lice?

Alaska U.S.A., reporting norovirus outbreak in several high schools.  One school reported 140 students out sick in one day.

Stark County, Ohio U.S.A., reporting outbreaks: “We are seeing a large increase of individuals going in for vomiting. We know that we had a confirmed outbreak of norovirus in our county. Those residents were on the eastern end of our county. I don’t know off the top of my head how many we had.”-Christina Henning, Canton Health Department

Mitchell College, in Connecticut U.S.A., hit with outbreak: “Just started throwing up constantly for about four hours.”-John Kaczkowski

“It was only like 24 hours when I got it. It went by pretty fast. Some people had it longer like two or three days.”-Zenoba Howard

Schools in Wake County, North Carolina U.S.A., reporting outbreaks.

Schools in Maine U.S.A., say 28% of all absences are caused by norovirus.

The Southwest Public Health District, in Georgia U.S.A., reporting outbreaks in nursing homes, childcare centers, schools and restaurants.

Montana U.S.A., Richland County Health Department warning residents of norovirus, after three people came down with it in the sparsely populated county.

Regency Park Assisted Living Center, in Oregon U.S.A., hit with outbreak: “We immediately went into action because it spreads so quickly. We did everything that we had to do.”-Pat Holahan, director

Health officials in Muskegon County, Michigan U.S.A., say they’re still dealing with outbreaks.  At least five group care homes have reported outbreaks: “It’s still moving rapidly throughout the community. It just rolls through and it’s easily transmissible.”-Ken Kraus, Public Health

Several other counties, in Michigan U.S.A., are reporting spikes in cases. And schools are reporting two types of outbreaks; lice and norovirus. Several public and private schools being hit hard.  Of note: School officials and parents are reporting that off the shelf lice treatments are not having any effect on this year’s lice.

In California U.S.A., Marin County health officials declared the outbreak at Deer Park Retirement Residence, finished.  Also, Nevada County health officials reporting an outbreak in a local nursing home.

In Illinois U.S.A., nine people from Scandinavian countries arrived at the O’Hare airport sick with possible norovirus.

A new study blows away what doctors used to think, that norovirus was specific to humans.  A study at the University of Helsinki, in Finland, says your dog might be the cause: “Our results suggest that HuNoVs can survive in the canine gastrointestinal tract. Whether these viruses can replicate in dogs remains unresolved, but an association of pet dogs playing a role in transmission of NoVs that infect humans is obvious.”

A British newspaper reported an increase in stomach illness in March.  The article implied there was a connection to the coldest March in the past 50 years.

In Reading, United Kingdom, the Royal Berkshire hospital imposed visitor restrictions because of an outbreak.  This is the third time this year.

In Bristol, United Kingdom, an investigation is underway after a five years old girl died.  She died of meningitis, but had been diagnosed and treated for viral gastroenteritis.

Regional Public Health in Wellington, New Zealand, are trying to determine if an outbreak of gastroenteritis at the Karori Normal School was caused by norovirus.

International, U.S.

Norovirus update 24 March 2013: Nora Virus? A huge unnecessary health care cost in the United States! Unnecessary and costly use of ambulances in United Kingdom! Connection to IBS & nutcracker esophagus?

In Oregon U.S.A., at least 15 people got sick, and one man died, after a state forestry committee meeting.  Lab tests have confirmed norovirus, but investigators have yet to find the source.  Unfortunately the local media is already blaming the food, or employees, at the restaurant, even though there have been many cases this season that did not involve food and has inspectors stumped. So far only the people attending the forestry meeting got sick, no other customers are sick, none of the employees are sick, which suggests it’s not the restaurant.  The restaurant owner is upset: “I prayed to God that we didn’t do anything bad. We’re so diligent about food safety.”-Maggie Pike

The U.S. CDC says the norovirus (first appearing in 1968) is now the number one cause of stomach problems in children.  It’s now blamed for most cases of gastroenteritis. Norovirus has become the leading cause because treatments for the other causes have greatly reduced their occurrence, there is no vaccine or treatment for norvirus. Between 2009-10 one million U.S. kids were sick with it, and it’s estimated that the virus is costing families and insurance companies $273 million per year.  When you realize that there is no treatment for the norovirus itself, and most people are well within 48 hours,  you’ll begin to realize that most of the health care costs associated with norovirus are unnecessary, as long as people drink enough fluids. The main reason for people being hospitalized is dehydration.

The Rhode Island (U.S.A.) Department of Health confirmed an outbreak at Brown University (is that a joke by god or what? Brown…norovirus).   Officials say it’s the first time in ten years. At least 49 students are sick.

In Sacramento County, California U.S.A., a restaurant is being investigated for a stomach bug outbreak back in February.  It’s based on the number of complaints county officials got at the end of February.  The restaurant had just passed its health inspection before the complaints.

In the world of bicycle racing, in South Africa both Topeak-Ergon teams ended their runs (pun) in the Cape Epic race. Some reasons included crashes, but other team members developed gastrointestinal infections.

In the world of Baseball, Roy Halliday, pitcher for Philadelphia Phillies, says he lost ten pounds in two days after getting sick with vomiting bug.  And the Texas Ranges are dealing with a player that keeps getting sick.  Derek Holland is recovering from a recent bout with stomach bug.  Holland was sick with stomach bug last year as well.  Humans do not build resistance to norovirus.

A United Kingdom doctor, Martin Scurr, responded to a question from a woman who began having trouble swallowing after two bouts of stomach bug infections. He said her nutcracker esophagus might be connected to “a type of post-infection irritable bowel syndrome.”

The Queen of England made her first public appearance after getting sick.  It was for the 150th anniversary of London’s “Tube” subway system.

In Whitehaven U.K., the North Cumbria University NHS Hospitals Trust had to move patients from the West Cumberland Hospital, 75 miles away to the Northumbrian hospital, because of ongoing infections.  There are so many sick people in the hospital, that new patients have to be transferred.

In Norwich, England U.K., an academic teaching hospital imposed visitor restrictions. The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital reported increased cases.  Also, in London the Lewisham Hospital relaxed visitor restrictions, however there were warnings that restrictions could be re-imposed because of the ongoing infections.

In Eastbourne, East Sussex U.K., the Eastbourne District General Hospital restricted visitation to three wards because of an outbreak.

In Lancashire U.K., the Lindum Hotel closed down for a second time, just five days after re-opening from another norovirus caused shutdown.  This time the hotel management decided to close after three guests became sick, saying they didn’t want to take any chances.

Also in U.K., Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust is closed to new patients because an outbreak has filled all their beds with sick people (and not just sick in the head).  And, an ambulance service is asking people sick with stomach bug not to call.  The service is reporting a 16% increase in calls, mostly for people with vomiting bug.  Ambulance operators are asking people to call only in “real emergencies”.

In the Central American country of Belize, the Ministry of Health is reporting increased cases of norovirus, commonly and incorrectly being called stomach flu.  The Ministry of Health is for some reason calling it Nora Virus.

In Saskatchewan, Canada, visitor restrictions were lifted at Saint Paul’s Hospital.

In Wellington, New Zealand, reports that an outbreak at the Karori Normal School is spreading.  The school’s principal says the outbreak at the school is the result of infections already present in the community.  New Zealand is also dealing with outbreaks of cryptosporidium, and people are being told to stay out of swimming pools if they are sick.

 

Business/Economics, Idaho, International, U.S.

Norovirus update 16 March 2013: Elton John down! Save some money and stay away from the ER! Pesticides spreading the disease, more reasons to avoid veggies! No room at the Hospital, tents set up for dozens of sick students! Queen out-a-the hospital but not out-a-the woods! Elitist eateries making people sick!

Elton John canceled a Friday night U.S. concert at the last minute, because he’s sick with stomach bug!

In Warwickshire, England U.K., the Red Cross was called out to deal with two bus loads of 90 French exchange students sick, possibly with norovirus. The buses were at the Warwick Hospital.  After admitting four of the students, the hospital staff realized there would be no room at the inn because so many were sick, so they called in the Red Cross to set up tents and provide camp-beds,  blankets, inflatable pillows and hygiene packs.

Speaking of England, the Queen is out of the hospital but that doesn’t mean she’s out-a-the woods: “The queen continues to make a good recovery following her recent illness, and today she presented the Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry and held a series of audiences.  However, regrettably, she will no longer attend the Tech City engagement planned for tomorrow, or the Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Scriptures Association Service at the Guards Chapel on Thursday…..The queen hopes to resume her program of official engagements next week.”

Also, a British boxer almost canceled a fight, but like many ‘mericans he went to work sick: “It was horrendous. I was not well in the build-up, I picked up a stomach bug the day before the fight and I spent most of the day of the fight on the toilet……I had sold a lot of tickets and had a lot of people to please and didn’t want to let them down.”-Dan Woodgate, he won the fight

On 12 March in the United States, Texas Ranger outfielder, Craig Gentry, was taken off the lineup because of stomach bug.

Around the World, many Football clubs (that’s soccer in the U.S.) are dealing with sick players.

In Netherlands, a new study says norovirus can survive pesticides, and is probably even spread by the bug poison!  The study was inspired by other studies that showed a strong connection between norovirus and vegetables (one U.S. study says 50% of produce have norovirus!).  The Dutch researchers diluted norovirus in eight different types of pesticides, the virus survived in all eight.  The study, published in the International Journal of Food Microbiology, concludes that the possible source of norovirus on vegetables is coming from the pesticides that are routinely sprayed on industrial scale crops!

In Oregon U.S.A., an upscale restaurant (most dinners starting out at $18 per person) has been hit with norovirus, for the second time in 11 months. Amazingly the owners of Adina Restaurant did not know about the April 2012 outbreak linked to their eatery! County health officials say this latest outbreak began the 1st of March, and so far involves 27 people reporting illness.  On Monday, 11 March, the owners were ordered by the county to get an additional refrigerator, because it turns out the employees were storing cooked meats with raw meats due to a lack of refrigerators! Last year the upscale restaurant was warned about their refrigerator being too warm to prevent bacterial growth.

In an update on another upscale restaurant, Noma in Denmark, it turns out that restaurant staff and owners possibly ignored emailed warnings from the local health inspectors. Health officials are blaming the outbreak, in the restaurant with the longest reservation waiting list in the world, on an employee. Between 63 and 67 people reported getting sick back in February. The employee is considered a carrier of norovirus, which means they show no symptoms of the disease.

In Indiana U.S.A., parents are being warned after an increase in sick children at the Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital, mainly with dehydration: “We’re seeing a fair amount of kids over the past month or so.”-David Zipes

More than 25% of the residents at Carillon at Boulder Creek retirement community, in Colorado U.S.A., are sick.  14 employees are sick as well: “Since Friday, they’ve been implementing control measures to stop the spread of the illness. The facility has been handling it appropriately….”-Carol Helwig, Boulder County health official

In Danville, Virginia U.S.A., medical personnel report a 10% increase in reported cases in the past week.

More cruise ships getting hit with stomach bug.  Princess Cruises’ Ruby Princess in the Caribbean, and Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth in the Pacific are the latest to report sick passengers.

In Scotland U.K., yet another hospital closing its doors to visitors.  The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh has closed six wards.  At least 100 patients sick, along with an undisclosed number of employees.

In Canada, provincial health officials have confirmed vomiting bug outbreak across Prince Edward Island (PEI), possibly linked to the Rodd Mill River Resort.  Health officials don’t blame the resort, they suspect that the first people to get sick were actually sick before they arrived, and spread it to others.

I have some advise for anyone sick with the vomiting bug: Unless you’re at deaths door don’t go to your local hospital ER. One of my daughters was recently sick with stomach bug, and she went to a hospital in Boise, Idaho U.S.A.  She wasn’t sick enough to be admitted, but sat in the ER for six hours. She just received the bill; $3000 USD!!!  (yes, despite Obama/Romney Care we in the U.S. must still fork out big bucks for even the piddliest health care)

I’ll say again what I’ve posted in earlier reports, and what I tried to explain to my daughter:  There is no treatment for norovirus, there is no cure for norovirus, there is no vaccination for norovirus! Most people who go to hospital with norovirus are treated for dehydration.  Why spend thousands of dollars for that?

International, U.S.

Norovirus update: 10 March 2013: Proof that employers don’t care if you’re sick or not. More cases not involving food. “Worst season in 10 years”! Kiwis dealing with another kind-o-stomach bug.

In Cornwall, United Kingdom, people are being told to stay away from the hospitals.  At least three hospitals are dealing with outbreaks.

In London, England U.K., the Lewisham Hospital is dealing with an outbreak.

In Gloucestershire, South West England U.K., two schools were closed after half the students got sick.  This makes four schools since December.

In Scotland U.K., one ward of the Royal Dundee Liff Hospital was closed to new patients because of an outbreak.

The latest update on the outbreak on the Royal Caribbean ship is that the U.S. CDC says it was never notified of a norovirus outbreak. The official report from the Vision of the Seas simply said 108 passengers and crew were sick with a stomach bug.  Passengers disembarked from the cruise ship in Florida U.S.A.  Some say they’re still sick, others said the outbreak began immediately after the cruise began.

In United Kingdom a group of people are suing P&O Cruises.  They say they got sick during a December cruise.  Southampton Port Health Authority confirmed 417 cases of norovirus on the ship, Oriana.  P&O Cruises blames passengers: “…if an outbreak occurs it is normally because a passenger has brought the virus on board unwittingly.”

At least 63 people got sick after eating at what’s considered the World’s top restaurant. It happened at Noma Nordic restaurant in Copenhagen, Denmark, last month. Only now is it making news. Health inspectors blamed poor hygiene, lack of hot water in the kitchen, and the owners failed to respond to warnings from their employees about people getting sick.  The Danish Food Administration said that people were sickened by “a cocktail of different noroviruses”.

In Vermont U.S.A., the Bridport Central School was closed for two days last week after 90% of the students, and 30% of employees became sick.  Health officials called it a norovirus outbreak, but they could not find the source, and don’t think it had anything to do with the school food program.

The University of North Carolina U.S.A., reported more than 85 students sick last week. Health officials can not find a common source!

In Saskatchewan, Canada, the Parkland Place nursing home in Melfort was hit with an outbreak. Visitation is restricted until further notice.

And in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada,  I just read that ten hospitals had restricted visitation due to outbreaks. They’ve lifted general restrictions, which means only healthy adults who’re parents or grandparents of patients can visit.

In South Carolina U.S.A., doctors are calling this years norovirus the “worst season in 10 years”.  The city of Simpsonville is getting hit hard: “We’re seeing parents come in that just don’t know what to do….their children have been vomiting for a few days…..We’ve had teachers come in and say that half their class is out with it.”-Justin Moll, Parkside Pediatrics

Ongoing investigations at a ski resort in Arizona U.S.A., still have not been able to find the source of an outbreak that took place a couple of weeks ago. Health investigators said that is was not food or water.

In New Zealand, reports of another stomach bug, this one called Crypto.  So far 55 cases reported in Hawke’s Bay.  Cryptosporidium is a parasite found in the gut of cattle and other animals, and is passed to humans through contact with animals, contaminated water or food, or direct contact with human waste.  It’ll make you sick for four weeks.

Notice that most of these reports are coming from countries where English is the official language.  For some odd reason outbreaks of stomach illnesses aren’t reported elsewhere, or they just aren’t happening.  Norovirus did originate in the United States, and is a relatively new virus (found in 1968, identified in 1972).

Business/Economics, International, U.S.

Norovirus update: 04 March 2013: God save the Queen? More cases where food poisoning is NOT the cause! People are sick for longer than usual! More reasons not to use those reusable grocery shopping bags!

04 March 2013/21 Raby’ ath-Thani 1434/14 Esfand 1391

The British Empire‘s Queen Elizabeth the 2nd hospitalized with what could be norovirus.  And yet another U.K. hospital goes down; Cheltenham General Hospital is banning all visitors because of an outbreak. Hospital officials say it’s just “precautionary”.  Also, the Worcestershire Royal, Redditch Alexandra and Kidderminster hospitals continue to restrict visitations.  Health officials are reporting 30% more cases of norovirus in Worchestershire than in the rest of the West Midlands. In East Sussex the Eastbourne District General Hospital says two of its wards are on visitor restrictions after recent outbreaks.

Iowa U.S.A. reporting two outbreaks. Residents and staff of a nursing home and students in a school are the latest victims:  “This is happening all over the state; no place is spared.”-Patricia Quinlisk, Department of Public Health

A Canadian travel writer, writing for The Province, praised a Holland America cruise ship captain: “Kudos to Captain Rowden and the crew of the Ryndam whose heroic efforts stopped the spread of the nasty Norwalk virus that had sneaked aboard the ship.”-Joseph Kula

A Canadian family wasn’t so lucky on their vacation in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The family had read warnings from other people who stayed at their hotel; that there was a possible stomach bug outbreak. The Saskatoon family tried to switch hotels but ended up staying in the infected one.  They got sick and were sick for long after they got home: “I’ve missed out on a lot of classes and I’m really behind. I’ve been so sick and I’ve lost so much weight and I’m so weak.”-Rebecca Hennes

In the Waterloo Region of Ontario, Canada, the Grand River Hospital declared its vomiting bug outbreak over. At least three patients and eight employees were sick. One patient is still sick.

In the vacation hot spot of Bermuda, the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital’s Gordon Ward experienced an outbreak.  16 patients and 17 employees were sick. The latest reports say six of them are still showing symptoms: “One new patient case of gastroenteritis in Gordon Ward has occurred in the last 24 hours. Gordon Ward continues under current strict precautions, including enhanced cleaning practices, visitor restrictions, and restrictions of new admissions and transfers. All patients who are unwell are in isolation rooms and visitors and staff must put on disposable protective wear before entering, and dispose of it on leaving the room. It is recommended that current restrictions/interventions continue at least through Friday.”-Bermuda Hospital Board

The norovirus is spreading in Bermuda. On 01 March 2013 the Building Blocks Academy preschool shut down because teachers were sick.

In Kanawha County, in West Virginia U.S.A., the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department is investigating numerous cases of student absences at county schools. They are trying to establish how many students are sick with norovirus.

In Arizona U.S.A., Sunrise Park Resort officials are cooperating with federal, state, local and tribal health authorities after an outbreak hit the ski resort last week.  Inspectors have ruled out food as the source, meaning it was spread human to human.

More reports blaming stomach infections on reusable grocery bags.  Oregon U.S.A. health officials already linked a 2009 outbreak to reusable grocery bags, now the results of a new study out of environmental nutville California U.S.A. says reusable bags are behind a 46% increase in illness! The study looked at San Francisco, which banned recyclable plastic bags in 2007. The study looked at emergency room cases involving E.Coli (a bacteria, not a virus like Norwalk/norovirus), and found such cases jumped in San Francisco and not in the surrounding counties who had no such bag ban.  For those who insist on using the reusable bags they must be cleaned regularly.

In Maryland U.S.A., McDaniel College saw more than two dozen students out sick with norovirus.  This is yet another case where health officials say food was not involved in spreading the virus.

Health Protection Scotland reporting that 2012 saw 2900 lab confirmed cases of norovirus, a 75% increase from 2011! It’s still less than the record of 3109 cases in 2010.  Scottish health officials estimate that for every one case reported there are 290 cases that go unreported.

Did you know the first norovirus case occurred in 1968 in Norwalk, Ohio U.S.A. This is why it is sometimes called the Norwalk virus. However, the 1968 outbreak was not confirmed until 1972, when researchers were finally able to identify the cause. Ever since then, year after year, there are more and more cases, and stronger and stronger versions of the virus.

Business/Economics, International, U.S.

Norovirus update, 13 February 2013: Spike in cases! School budgets getting hammered! More hospitals in U.K. shutting down! Avoid Oysters! Blame no paid sick leave, again!

13 February 2013

In United Kingdom, the Arrowe Park Hospital has lifted visitor restrictions.  Hospital officials said they imposed the restrictions to keep patients from catching the vomiting bug.

12 February 2013

Two nursing homes in Sacramento County, California, are reporting outbreaks.  At least 34 people sick.

Also in Sacramento County, school officials say there are so many students out sick that the school districts are losing state funding.  Officials report losing between $28 and $39 USD per day for every student out sick.

A New Jersey TV station reporting that hospitals in Bronx, New York, are reporting spikes in the number of people coming in with the stomach bug.

In United Kingdom, four wards of the York Teaching Hospital were shut down:  “It’s really tough in the hospital. We have had to open extra beds wherever we can in areas which have previously been empty. Staff is also thin on the ground because some of them have also come down with the bug.”-Libby McManus, National Health Service (NHS)

In Arkansas, health officials believe the norovirus (aka Norwalk virus) has hit their state, but, because it isn’t really tracked they’re not sure how bad it is this year.  One doctor said that norovirus is under-reported.

In Belgium, the grocery store chain Carrefour is recalling Normandy oysters. The company is worried because of the growing number of people who ate them are now showing signs of norovirus infection.

11 February 2013

In Canada, visitor restrictions have been lifted at a Prince Albert Hospital. 16 patients and eight hospital staff became sick back in January.

08 February 2013

In Pennsylvania, a Catholic prep school, Villa Joseph Marie, closed because too many students were out sick.

In Tennessee,  doctors say norovirus is now at epidemic levels: “For other people who have chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease, it can be deadly.  A lot of these people have to get put in the hospital because they get so severely dehydrated.”-Mark Castellaw, Baptist Memorial Hospital

In Wyoming, state inspectors have determined the source of what caused a norovirus outbreak at a Golden Corral buffet back in December.  A 15 page report blames 31 employees, who kept working even though they were all sick. A total of 344 cases were reported. Blame no paid sick leave!

In Contra Costa County, California, it was revealed that a steak restaurant was closed because of the vomiting bug. County officials closed Fleming’s Steakhouse after several employees and at least two customers became sick.  It’s now open after being cleaned.

In South Dakota, the entire Bridgewater-Emery school district closed down because so many students and teachers were out sick.

07 February 2013

In North Carolina, the Mecklenburg County Health Department has confirmed many cases at local nursing homes.  At least 45 residents and 12 nursing home staff are sick.

In Missouri, the Saint Louis County Health Department reports at least eight outbreaks in the county. Officials with Barnes Jewish Hospital say cases are spiking.

06 February 2013

In California, Charity Thoman, with the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department, wrote of her experiences with norovirus, and tried to explain why this year’s version is so bad: “What’s different about the virus in this 2012-2013 season involves one of my favorite topics: evolutionary genetics. Norovirus is a single-stranded RNA virus which can evolve rapidly by inserting small mutations into its genome. In March 2012, the virus mutated again, resulting in the GII.4 Sydney strain (named after its origin in Sydney, Australia). This mutant strain is spreading rapidly across the world and across California. Santa Barbara County is now sending all positive stool specimens to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) for further subtyping to determine which strain we are dealing with. So far all of our positive specimens have been the new Sydney strain.”

In Ohio, the Columbus Public Health Department reports 100 confirmed cases.