Tag Archives: norwalk

International, U.S.

Norovirus: 511 children made sick by bottled water!

25 February 2014 (01:19 UTC-07 Tango)/24 Rabi ‘ath-Thani 1435/06 Esfand 1392/26 Bing-Yin (1st month) 4712

China: In Zhejiang Province, at least 511 students in elementary and junior high schools were sicked by norovirus infected bottled water.  The company that supplied the water is being investigated.

New Zealand: The government is allowing pharmacists to treat children with gastroenteritis, in a bid to keep those sick kids out of the hospital.  So far the Paediatric Gastroenteritis Service program run by the MidCentral District Health Board has treated 91 children.

Florida, U.S.A: The U.S. CDC investigating yet another cruise ship outbreak, this time on a Holland America ship.  124 passengers and crew were sick.

Iowa, U.S.A.: In Cedar Falls, at least 90 people sick at a nursing home.   Also, the Ames Public Library was closed for two days after 30 employees were confirmed to have gotten sick by norovirus.

Ohio, U.S.A.: Hamilton County health officials were notified of an outbreak at a nursing home. At least 28 people sick.

Tennessee, U.S.A.: Shelby County Health Department confirming 100 cases of norovirus in five separate outbreaks.

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 virus. Ever since then, year after year, there are more and more cases, and stronger and stronger versions of the virus.

The U.S. CDC says norovirus accounts for as many as 800 deaths in the United States, every year.

Norovirus (aka Norwalk Virus), is a surface contact bug, meaning you pick it up by touching or eating it.  It is not influenza and there is still no vaccine for fast evolving RNA norovirus.  The only ‘treatment’ is to keep the sick person hydrated.

Exotic anti-biotic soaps can’t kill norovirus, or any other virus for that matter, because anti-biotics are only for bacteria.  Despite that, even hand ‘sanitizers’ made with alcohol can’t totally get rid of norovirus.   Guess what apparently works?  According to the U.S. CDC old fashioned hand soap is best.  Consumer Reports says to leave the soap on your hands for a minimum of 20 seconds.  Also, in public restrooms use a paper towel to turn off the faucet and to open the door, do not touch surfaces with your bare hands after washing them.

Wash household surfaces with bleach.

The worse thing is that you can be infected and not have any symptoms.  An infected person can spread norovirus, yet not feel sick themselves. If you think you might be infected do not cook food for other people. People recovering from traditional symptoms of norovirus can continue spreading the bug for days after feeling better (some reports say weeks).

Idaho, International, U.S.

Norovirus, Gastroenteritis: Idaho college shuts down! Nursing homes hit hard! Desperate cruise ships drop their prices! Restaurant gets hit twice in two weeks! Oregano is the cure?

19 February 2014 (19:51 UTC-07 Tango 18 February 2014)/18 Rabi ‘ath-Thani 1435/30 Bahman 1392/20 Bing-Yin (1st month) 4712

Canada: In Ontario, the Brucelea Haven long term care home was hit with a gastroenteritis outbreak.  At least 144 people sick.  Officials say things are now “under control”.  The Sudbury District Health Unit reporting incrased outbreaks in daycare centers.

China: In Hong Kong, a confirmed norovirus outbreak reported on Lantau Island.  At least 27 people sick.  In Henan, a giant panda died of unknown gastroenteritis, at the Zhengzhou Zoo.  The public is suspicious because zoo officials originally denied the panda had died, saying she had been sent to mate.  People are demanding an investigation.

India: In the state of Orissa, three infants have died, and more than 50 children sick from an unknown gastroenteritis outbreak.  Health officials believe the water supply for two villages is the source.  The UN’s World Health organization reports that in 2008, 98-thousand children died from gastroenteritis caused by rotavirus.

European Union: In Spain, health officials are warning of increased gastroenteritis outbreaks. Hospitals are averaging two cases per day.  Officials are blaming climate change for causing food to degrade faster than normal.  They are advising people to avoid street food vendors.  In United Kingdom, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust closed the Alexandra Hospital to visitation due to norovirus outbreak.  Visitation is also restricted at the Worcestershire Royal and Kidderminster Treatment Centre.  New Cross Hospital restricting visitation due to an outbreaks in the women’s respiratory medical ward, the general medical ward and in the cardiology ward.  The Arrowe Park Hospital closed for new admissions. Stafford Hospital restricted visitation to their trauma and orthopaedic wards.

New Zealand: Public Health investigating an outbreak at the Waimea College.  At least 30 employees sick. The cause of the gastroenteritis is not known.

United States of America: Royal Caribbean has reportedly dropped their prices for Bahamas cruises to $32 USD per night.  This is due to crashing sales caused by repeated gastroenteritis outbreaks.

California, U.S.A.: In Santa Barbara, a nursing home dealing with an outbreak.  It was not made public, I found out because I have relatives in the nursing home.

Idaho, U.S.A.: In Ada County, the College of Western Idaho shutdown!  Their Black Eagle Business Park campus was actually evacuated!  In Kootenai County, 90 people got sick and one was hospitalized after outbreaks hit two nursing homes.

Michigan, U.S.A.: For some reason officials with the Rochester Community Schools tried to keep quite an outbreak at the Long Meadow Elementary school.

Nebraska, U.S.A.: Department of Health and Human Services revealing that dozens of nursing/assisted living homes are dealing with outbreaks.  DHHS officials suspect it’s being spread by visitors to the nursing homes.  (they don’t really know how it gets around, folks)

New York, U.S.A.: For the first time in 145 years, the Mohonk Mountain House shutdown due to confirmed norovirus outbreak.  At least 200 hotel customers and employees got sick.  Some customers are now suing.

Oregon, U.S.A.: In Bend, a gastroenteritis outbreak at the evil Deschutes County Jail.  At least 28 prisoners sick.

Texas, U.S.A.: In Sherman, the owners of a Mexican food restaurant say they voluntarily shutdown after six employees got sick.  However, the Grayson County Health Department says they are investigating reports that 40 people got sick after eating at the restaurant.

Washington, U.S.A.: In Seattle, a nursing home reporting an outbreak.  48 people got sick, and some were sent to the hospital.  This is the second time the nursing home was hit with a gastroenteritis outbreak.  In Bellingham, an Applebee’s restaurant was shutdown due to an outbreak.  The Whatcom County Health Department reported at least 56 customer complaints. This is the second outbreak at the same restaurant.  The first outbreak involved 15 employees back on 06-07 February.

The Journal of Applied Microbiology published a study by University of Arizona researchers, which says oils from the oregano herb (called carvacrol) can break down the outer layers of norovirus.

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 virus. Ever since then, year after year, there are more and more cases, and stronger and stronger versions of the virus.

The U.S. CDC says norovirus accounts for as many as 800 deaths in the United States, every year.

Norovirus (aka Norwalk Virus), is a surface contact bug, meaning you pick it up by touching or eating it.  It is not influenza and there is still no vaccine for fast evolving RNA norovirus.  The only ‘treatment’ is to keep the sick person hydrated.

Exotic anti-biotic soaps can’t kill norovirus, or any other virus for that matter, because anti-biotics are only for bacteria.  Despite that, even hand ‘sanitizers’ made with alcohol can’t totally get rid of norovirus.   Guess what apparently works?  According to the U.S. CDC old fashioned hand soap is best.  Consumer Reports says to leave the soap on your hands for a minimum of 20 seconds.  Also, in public restrooms use a paper towel to turn off the faucet and to open the door, do not touch surfaces with your bare hands after washing them.

Wash household surfaces with bleach.

The worse thing is that you can be infected and not have any symptoms.  An infected person can spread norovirus, yet not feel sick themselves. If you think you might be infected do not cook food for other people. People recovering from traditional symptoms of norovirus can continue spreading the bug for days after feeling better (some reports say weeks).

International, U.S.

Norovirus: The Shining scares off hotel guests! Texas news media reveal how stupid they are, calling it a new bug! New Mexico tired of media & even doctors getting it wrong!

08 February 2014 (15:27 UTC-07 Tango)/07 Rabi ‘ath-Thani 1435/19 Bahman 1392/09 Bing-Yin (1st month) 4712

Japan: Health officials confirmed 17632 people infected with norovirus in 2013.  They also report that every year, for the past ten years, the infection rate increased.  Four people died from norovirus in December.  In one case a person got sick with symptoms a full ten days after actually getting infected.  This belies many news media and even doctors’ claims that it’s a 48 hours bug.

New Zealand:  In Auckland, Middlemore hospital reports a norovirus outbreak. 14 people, including employees, are sick.

United Kingdom:  In London, famous Heston Blumenthal’s Dinner restaurant shutdown for one week of cleaning over norovirus outbreak. Several U.S. citizens got sick after they visited the U.K., and it was traced back to the restaurant.  Health officials in Sudbury reporting increase cases of gastrointestinal illness, likely to be caused by norovirus.

The U.S. CDC revealed that over the past 20 years norovirus caused 67% of cruise ship gastrointestinal illness outbreaks!  By the way the stupid U.S. main streamer news media continues to call it stomach flu.  Hey dumb shits, it is not influenza! Stop confusing your audience!

Arkansas, U.S.A.: In Pine Bluff, Trinity Village Nursing Home on lockdown after 50 people got sick with norovirus.

Colorado, U.S.A.: Outbreak reported at Legacy High School. 100 students out sick with suspected norovirus.

Kansas, U.S.A.: Reports that the Riverview Elementary School was “…hit with some sort of gastrointestinal virus.”

New Hampshire, U.S.A.: In Claremont, dumb ass local news media reported outbreaks of stomach “flu”, after officials at the Valley Regional Hospital reported increased cases of acute gastroenteritis. Influenza does not cause gastroenteritis dumb ass Valley News, stop confusing people!

New Mexico, U.S.A.: Officials with the Albuquerque Environmental Health Department are so tired of the news media, and even health professionals(!), not understanding what norovirus is that they’ve hosted a 2nd free norovirus training seminar!

New York, U.S.A.: Evil spirits return to The Shining hotel!  Mohonk Mountain House forced to close for a week of exorcism, I mean deep cleaning after a gastrointestinal outbreak, suspected to be norovirus.

Oregon, U.S.A.: In Tigard, a woman sickened by norovirus after eating at an Olive Garden restaurant, sued because she was forced to have an unplanned for C-section as a result of the infection.

Tennessee, U.S.A.: Sullivan County Health Department reporting an outbreak of norovirus. At least 27 cases from mid-January to 01 February.  They seemed to be connected to birthday parties held at a local business.

Texas, U.S.A.: In Richardson, over a seven day period 1400 Richardson High School students called in sick, with suspected norovirus.  Dumb ass KETK TV reported norovirus as “….a new virus…..making its rounds around East Texas.”  Jesus Christ people where have you been, in a hole?  Here, you obviously oblivious KETK, is a little history lesson about norovirus: 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 virus. Ever since then, year after year, there are more and more cases, and stronger and stronger versions of the virus.

The U.S. CDC says norovirus accounts for as many as 800 deaths in the United States, every year.

Norovirus (aka Norwalk Virus), is a surface contact bug, meaning you pick it up by touching or eating it.  It is not influenza and there is still no vaccine for fast evolving RNA norovirus.  The only ‘treatment’ is to keep the sick person hydrated.

Exotic anti-biotic soaps can’t kill norovirus, or any other virus for that matter, because anti-biotics are only for bacteria.  Despite that, even hand ‘sanitizers’ made with alcohol can’t totally get rid of norovirus.   Guess what apparently works?  According to the U.S. CDC old fashioned hand soap is best.  Consumer Reports says to leave the soap on your hands for a minimum of 20 seconds.  Also, in public restrooms use a paper towel to turn off the faucet and to open the door, do not touch surfaces with your bare hands after washing them.

Wash household surfaces with bleach.

The worse thing is that you can be infected and not have any symptoms.  An infected person can spread norovirus, yet not feel sick themselves. If you think you might be infected do not cook food for other people. People recovering from traditional symptoms of norovirus can continue spreading the bug for days after feeling better (some reports say weeks).

International, U.S.

Norovirus: More cruise lines hit! Connection to Autism? More schools shut down! Gummy Bears making people sick?

18 January 2014 (10:24 UTC-07 Tango)/16 Rabi ‘al-Awwal 1435/28 Dey 1392/18 Gui-Chou (12th month) 4711

Ontario, Canada: The Sudbury and District Health Unit warned of increasing cases of Norwalk virus at day care centers.

United Kingdom: Multiple hospitals have wards closed due to vomiting bug.  They include Warwick (strange because on the same day there was a report saying restrictions had been lifted), Borders General Hospital, Dumfries Infirmary.

California, U.S.A.: Baywood Court Retirement Community reports an outbreak of severe gastrointestinal illness.  People are being told to stay in their rooms.  The dining hall is closed.

Florida, U.S.A: A Royal Caribbean cruise ship docked with at least 68 sick passengers and crew.

Louisiana, U.S.A.:  The U.S. FDA is warning that oysters from Copano Bay are giving people norovirus.  Remember the BP oil spill?

Oregon, U.S.A.: Rock Creek Elementary shut down after 100 kids and several staff got sick. Washington County Department of Health and Human Services suspects norovirus.  One parent lamented “I had them wash their hands. I don’t know of any realistic precautions you can take.”-Molly Brown

Virginia, U.S.A.:  Saint Francis Medical Center reports that at least 32 employees are sick. There are no reports that patients are sick, hospital officials blamed children without any proof.  The hospital is now using a ultra-violet light robot to sanitize rooms.

More and more studies concerning autism are making connections to gastrointestinal problems.  One study said 43% of their autistic subjects had GI problems. Researchers also made GI connections to families that have a history of anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorders.

Germany’s Haribo sugarless gummy bears are making people sick, at least that’s what self proclaimed victims are reporting on Amazon’s Customer Review page.  People are reporting gastrointestinal problems after eating just a handful of the bears.  One man admitted he ate one pound worth in one sitting, then suffered “Gastrointestinal Armageddon”.  Anybody remember those fat free cookies and chips, that acted like intense laxatives if you ate just a handful? Stay away from junk food that’s made with fake sugar, or fat substitutes.

The U.S. CDC says norovirus accounts for as many as 800 deaths in the United States, every year.

Norovirus (aka Norwalk Virus), is a surface contact bug, meaning you pick it up by touching or eating it.  It is not influenza and there is still no vaccine for fast evolving RNA norovirus.  The only ‘treatment’ is to keep the sick person hydrated.

Exotic anti-biotic soaps can’t kill norovirus, or any other virus for that matter, because anti-biotics are only for bacteria.  Despite that, even hand ‘sanitizers’ made with alcohol can’t totally get rid of norovirus.   Guess what apparently works?  According to the U.S. CDC old fashioned hand soap is best.  Consumer Reports says to leave the soap on your hands for a minimum of 20 seconds.  Also, in public restrooms use a paper towel to turn off the faucet and to open the door, do not touch surfaces with your bare hands after washing them.

Wash household surfaces with bleach.

The worse thing is that you can be infected and not have any symptoms.  An infected person can spread norovirus, yet not feel sick themselves. If you think you might be infected do not cook food for other people. People recovering from traditional symptoms of norovirus can continue spreading the bug for days after feeling better (some reports say weeks).

International, U.S.

Norovirus: Putting the Fast in your Fast Food? Japanese hotels hit hard! No standardized reporting in U.S.! Stay away from hospitals!

02 January 2014 (01:09 UTC-07 Tango)/29 Safar 1435/12 Dey 1392/02 Gui-Chou (12th month) 4711

California, U.S.A.: In Walnut Creek, a Rehab center is the center of a tummy bug outbreak. At least 30 staff and patients have been sickened. Public health officials say the rehabilitation center took quick action, including notifying local government officials.

Connecticut, U.S.A.: Saint Francis Hospital in Hartford reporting an uptick in cases.  Doctors indicated the problem is that people are confusing the symptoms with influenza.  Norovirus causes vomiting and diarrhea for several days.  This is not caused by influenza.

Florida, U.S.A.: The Royal Caribbean ship Oasis of the Seas reported an outbreak of gastroenteritis. They did not indicate how many passengers were sick.

Iowa, U.S.A.: Several grade schools have been warning parents of norovirus cases.

Kansas, U.S.A.: The state Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Lodging is investigating Jimmy John’s sandwich delivery/restaurant for spreading norovirus.  At least 110 people are sick.  State officials say employees of Jimmy John’s are helping with state investigators. This case follows an Ecoli case in Colorado, which was traced back to a Denver Jimmy John’s, back in November 2013.

Michigan, U.S.A.:  Doctors in Genesee County are reporting upticks in tummy bug cases.  Doctors pointed out there is no vaccine for norovirus, but they erroneously told infected people to wash their hands without specifying what they should wash their hands with. (it makes a big difference, see below)

Missouri, U.S.A.: Doctors at Barnes-Jewish Hospital warning of increasing stomach bug cases.

Nevada, U.S.A.: Back in December at least five Las Vegas High Schools had to be scrubbed because of suspected norovirus outbreaks: “Your child’s school conducted extra cleaning today following a report that recent visitors to campus contracted the norovirus while visiting Las Vegas. While the source of the norovirus is not known, we wanted to be proactive and take extra efforts to sanitize our facilities.”-automated robo-call sent to parents

North Carolina, U.S.A.: Health and Human Service’s Department warning that the version of norovirus (aka Norwalk virus, Caliciviridae, viral gastroenteritis, stomach flu, tummy bug, vomiting bug) spreading in their state is GII.4 Sydney.  In the past, main streamer TV news have reported that a small fraction of people who get sick will die, but in recent years the number of people who die from norovirus have shot up.

South Carolina, U.S.A.: Despite warnings from North Carolina, South Carolina’s Department of Health and Environmental Control doesn’t expect norovirus cases to skyrocket this winter.  That’s because, so far, local health care centers are not reporting any number of cases that are considered above ‘normal’ for winter.

Wisconsin, U.S.A.: Madison and Dane County officials reporting “sporadic” cases. Epidemiologist Amanda Kita-Yarbro explained that there is no U.S. regulation requiring the public tracking or notification of norovirus cases, so the actual number of cases is probably higher than we think!

Ireland: The National Immunisation Advisory Committee is pushing for mandatory oral rotavirus vaccine for infants. Rotavirus also causes gastroenteritis.  Keep in mind this panel of ‘experts’ are also pushing to vaccinate homosexual men against the HPV, which is considered a cause of cervical cancer in women!

Tochigi Prefecture, Japan:  118 people sickened at the Kinugawa Gyoen Hotel in Nikko City.  Health officials say that besides the 118 people sickened, eleven hotel kitchen personnel were found to have norovirus in their bodies.  You can carry norovirus without knowing it.  Apparently the hotel customers got sick directly from the kitchen personnel, because investigations found that it didn’t matter what type of food the customers ate.

England, United Kingdom:  Weston General Hospital reporting a suspected outbreak of vomiting bug.  Visitation is restricted, because of a “high number of cases”.   Several hospitals restricted visitation in Hampshire County, due to outbreaks.  And in Lancaster, ward 34 at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary is closed to visitation.

North Wales, United Kingdom: Reports say Wrexham Maelor Hospital is still in lockdown because of a vomiting bug outbreak.  New patients are being sent to other health centers.

Scotland, United Kingdom: The latest reports say at least seven wards in four hospitals were lockdown due to outbreaks.

If you notice, most norovirus outbreaks in the United Kingdom take place in hospitals.

The U.K. Food Standards Authority want sick people to tell them what color their throw up is.  It’s a new twitter program that officials think will help them track specific tummy bug infections.

Norovirus is a surface contact bug, meaning you pick it up by touching or eating it.  I still see reports from local U.S. news media connecting norovirus prevention to flu vaccines, as I wrote last year, it is not influenza and there is still no vaccine for fast evolving RNA norovirus.  The only ‘treatment’ is to keep the sick person hydrated.

Exotic anti-biotic soaps can’t kill norovirus, or any other virus for that matter, because anti-biotics are only for bacteria.  Despite that, even hand ‘sanitizers’ made with alcohol can’t totally get rid of norovirus.   Guess what apparently works: According to the U.S. CDC old fashioned hand soap is best.  Consumer Reports says to leave the soap on your hands for a minimum of 20 seconds.  Also, in public restrooms use a paper towel to turn off the faucet and to open the door, do not touch surfaces with your bare hands after washing them (time to wear those Michael Jackson gloves you’ve been hiding).

Wash household surfaces with bleach.

The worse thing is that you can be infected and not have any symptoms.  An infected person can spread norovirus, yet not feel sick themselves. If you think you might be infected do not cook food for other people. People recovering from traditional symptoms of norovirus can continue spreading the bug for days after feeling better (some reports say weeks).

International, U.S.

Norovirus / Tummy Bug update, 09 August 2013: Climate change being blamed! Government water supplier being blamed! 20 people dead!

“Bacterial gastroenteritis in young babies is a growing problem in the developed world and an increasing cause of infant death in the developing world. Current treatments involve antibiotics, with more than half of all babies in Europe receiving them in their first year. But antibiotic resistance is a growing problem. Antibiotics also disturb the balance of beneficial bacteria, reducing natural defences against infection.”-Institute of Food Research, United Kingdom

Despite fasting during the day during the month of Ramadan, Muslims are increasingly binge eating at night, and it’s making them sick.  Reports say that hospitals in the Persian Gulf states are reporting an increase in gastroenteritis cases: “It’s a combination of overeating or binge eating, and reduced immunity due to dehydration and bad sleeping habits.”-Rabee Harb, Kuwait‘s Royale Hayat Hospital

In Pennsylvania U.S.A., people are being told not to drink ‘organic’ milk from a local farm.  Officials with the Departments of Agriculture and Health believe it is contaminated with a bacteria called Campylobacter.   The farm has been ordered to stop selling the milk, however the farm owners have third party test results, based on samples of the very same milk tested by the state, that say their operation is clean: “The test result from our third-party lab came back this morning just ahead of (the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s) and it is negative for Campylobacter. But our third-party pathogen-free test does not really matter to the state.”-Edwin Shank, The Family Cow

In Tennessee U.S.A., 62 Robertson County school employees got sick on the same day.   The director of schools thinks they got sick from food served at a school wide teacher meeting, however, that meeting was on a Tuesday and the 62 employees got sick on a Friday.  Health officials are investigating.

In Oregon U.S.A., the Grant County Health Department suspects norovirus to be the cause of an outbreak in the city of John Day.  About two dozen people got sick after eating at a local restaurant.  In Baker City, reports that the city’s water supply was contaminated with the parasite cryptosporidium.   As many as 400 people sick.  One source says this ends the city’s track record of providing 100 years of clean water.

In Iowa U.S.A., state health officials have confirmed 358 cases of cryptosporidium, and 138 new possible cases.  For all of last year Iowa saw 328 cases.   Health officials are blaming it on public swimming pools, but they have not confirmed that hypotheses.

Interesting info on cryptosporidium, according to the U.S. CDC no U.S. city suffered from the parasite contamination until 1984!

The cyclospora parasite (not to be confused with cryptosporidium) outbreak has hit 504 people in 16 U.S. states.  The U.S. CDC still does not know the source.  Health officials with Nebraska and Iowa say they’ve traced the parasites to produce that came from a U.S. run farm in Mexico. The U.S. FDA is trying to confirm the claim. The California based owner of the farm swears their own testing shows their farm in Mexico is clean.

Russia is threatening to ban all Russians from going to Turkey for holiday.  Russian health officials say resort destinations, mainly targeted to Russians, are battling increasing cases of stomach bug infections.  The Russian government is accusing the Association of Tour Operators from not disclosing such health risk facts before selling vacations to Russians.  Last year 3.3 million Russian’s vacationed in Turkey.

In United Kingdom, the city of Hull had to close their East Park kiddie pool because of cryptosporidium.  And the mom of a teenaged boy who died from meningitis is raising public awareness.   Meningitis hits fast, like a tummy bug, and includes vomiting.  This can cause some doctors to misdiagnose it.  The other problem is that there are a growing number of varieties of it, current vaccines do not cover all variants.  Her son died from the rare Group Y meningococcal meningitis. In the empire’s colony of Northern Ireland, the Antrim Area Hospital is being harshly criticized after two years of dismal performance, including dozens of tummy bug cases and a child that died.  An investigation pointed out two major factors; the hospital was built to handle 30000 patients per year, but is actually handling as much as 72000.  And hospital staff are suffering from extreme low moral blamed on the overwhelming bureaucracy of the NHS.

A Swiss study published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology blames heat waves for increased gastroenteritis (tummy bugs, stomach bugs, vomiting bugs).  The study basically says, for many people, high heat temps weaken the tummy: “This study ties heat stress to digestive symptoms supporting the observed seasonal variation in the clinical course of inflammatory bowel disease and suggests that microbial infections of the gut might be additionally influenced by climate changes.”

In the city of Anantnag, India, at least 250 people have been hospitalized with  gastroenteritis in the past five days, at least 300 people infected.  A local doctor blames the water on the outbreak: “Outbreak of gastroenteritis is possible only due to the consumption of contaminated water. There can be no other reason for it.”-Nasir Khan

The people getting sick agree with the doctor’s claims, but point out the water is being supplied by the government: “This all happened due to the impure and contaminated water supplied to the people by the PHE officials. The spring where from the water is supplied is without any cover allowing all the dusty and garbage into it. Besides outside laborers who work on brick kilns in the area also use the spring for all purposes including bathing and washing clothes.”-Riyaz Ahmad Magray

An arrogant unnamed government official with India’s PHE (Public Health Engineering) disputes both claims: “…there is no possibility of the outbreak due to water. The people seemed to have taken some juice leading to the outbreak of gastroenteritis…”

The Kasmir Times reports that the PHE has not inspected their water source since the outbreaks were first reported, about a week ago.

In the city of Mumbai, India, the number of gastroenteritis cases has increased by 123 since my last update.  City health officials say they seen a 36% increase in cases compared to the same time last year.  Some people blame it on water being supplied by PHE.

In the sate of Chhattisgarh, India, 20 people have died in several villages from gastroenteritis.  State health officials say they’ve dispatched four “combat” medic teams to the villages to find out what’s going on.  Cholera is suspected, due to recent flooding, and more deaths are expected.  One report noted that most of the dead are women.

In the state of Karnataka, India, two villages have been declared cholera areas.  This means water must be boiled, the sale of cut (picked/harvested/prepped for eating) fruits are banned, fairs and markets are banned, fried foods banned in hostels.

And in Bhopal, India, dogs are going down to a viral fever and diarrhea known as parvo.  In the city of Jehangirabad, 60% of dogs brought to veterinarians have parvo.  Parvo has a 90% kill rate in India.  Vets blame it on the rainy season.

 

International, U.S.

Norovirus / Tummy Bug update, 02 August 2013: Airline flight from vomiting hell! 9 people dead, 150 sick in Canada! Hundreds sick at Washington campgrounds!

At least 26 people were quarantined in Australia after a gut wrenching flight from Chile.  Paramedics met the 747 when it landed in Sydney.  Health officials say the sick people were part of the same tour group.  Norovirus is suspected.  Also, in Wodonga The Grange old folks home was “locked down” for a week because of a major gastroenteritis outbreak.  Employees went to the local news media after officials with The Grange lied and said it was just a dozen people sick.  Turns out at least 70 residents and 12 employees were sick.  An unnamed employee said management didn’t even try to pick up the slack to compensate for the sick employees: “Work has increased tenfold. There has been no recognition from management. No one is saying we’re doing a great job. It’s a hard place to work at the moment.”

Nine people have died and 150 sickened after an outbreak at an old folks home in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada!  Health officials suspect the deadly outbreak is caused by norovirus.

And just south, in the state of Washington, U.S.A., the Tacoma Pierce County Health Department is investigating an outbreak at a YMCA campground. About 80 people are sick with norovirus like symptoms.  And 120 people sickened at a Christian campground in Whatcom County!  Health officials are blaming norovirus. They say the outbreak actually started at the beginning of July, but for some reason is only now being made public. About one week ago they did warn residents to be careful as there were “clusters” of cases being reported.  In the same county, people reported tummy bug symptoms after a chile contest on Lummi Island.

The U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease claims to have  discovered an antibody that can neutralize human norovirus.  Their study involved the use of immune cells of chimpanzees.

More bad news for plant eaters!  Recent parasite infections are being blamed on bagged salads!  In the United States the cyclospora outbreak has hit 16 states and at least 380 people!  In Iowa and Nebraska, health officials say they’ve traced the parasite to bagged salads.  At this point they’re not releasing the name of the brand of packaged salads.  You can only get sick by eating food or drink contaminated with the parasite.

In Arkansas U.S.A., another parasite has eaten the brain of a girl.  It’s called amoebic meningoencephalitis.  It’s a type of meningitis caused when an amoeba goes up your nose into your brain.  Officials think she got infected while swimming at Willow Springs Water Park.  One of the first signs is vomiting, which could cause people to think it’s a tummy bug.   The 12 years old girl has been placed in a medically induced coma.  If she survives she will be only the third person to do so.

Yogurt and flavored coffee lovers watch out, bugs are being used as food coloring in U.S. food products! According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, cochineal insects are being used to color flavored coffees and yogurts.  There are reports of people having allergic reactions, such as vomiting.  Starbucks announced last year they would stop using the red bugs in their strawberry flavored Frappuccino.  And you thought they were real strawberries.  Officials with Dannon yogurt says the U.S. FDA approved the use of the bugs as a substitute strawberry (carmine) coloring, so they are not going to stop using them!

And more bad news for plant eaters: A Washington U.S.A. woman and her 3 years old daughter were sick for seven months from oatmeal.  At first it was blamed on the standard tummy bug, turns out it was fungal mycotoxin poisoning.  It wasn’t doctors who figured it out, it was the suffering woman.  She was about to make her son a bowl of oatmeal, which he rarely ate, but she noticed he would get sick with similar symptoms when he ate it.  Upon closer inspection of the Western Family brand oatmeal container she found a clump of toxic mold in the oatmeal.

New Hampshire U.S.A., one man has been infected with two rare viruses, Jamestown Canyon virus and the Powassan virus.  Mosquitoes and ticks spread the disease.  The signs are sudden severe headache, fever, vomiting and paralysis.

And in Iowa U.S.A., health officials reporting at least 26 cases of infection from a rare form of salmonella.  Officials say this form of salmonella is related to poultry and is easily confused with the cyclospora parasite.   Also, Polk County Department of Public Health is reporting another parasite outbreak, this time cryptosporidium.  At least 68 cases so far.  You get it from contaminated drinking water or swimming pools.

Bad news for beef eaters: There are reports that the Lone Star Tick is making its way north, from the southern U.S. states.  The bad news is that apparently the bite of the Amblyomma americanum can render you allergic to beef!  Symptoms are vomiting, abdominal cramps, hives, anaphylaxis and death.

In the African country of Nigeria, reports of at least 104 cases of gastroenteritis.  Health officials blame poor hygiene.

In the new administrative district of Bandipora, in Jammu and Kashmir, India, at least 75 cases of gastroenteritis.  Apparently people are rising up in protest because government officials supplied them with contaminated water.  The angry people actually forced Public Health Engineering Department employees to drink the contaminated water!  Health officials are now telling people to boil the water.  In Mumbai city, 40 cases of cholera, and 2481 cases of gastroenteritis, were reported in July.

Pakistan reported a 39% increase in gastroenteritis, from December through January.  (they also reported a 90% increase in snake bites!)

U.S.

Government Incompetence: FDA admits they look the other way when it comes to imported food! More smoke & mirrors?

27 July 2013 (11:42 UTC-07 Tango)/19 Ramadan 1434/05 Mordad 1391/20 Ji-Wie (6th month) 4711

In a round-a-bout rare admission of incompetence, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says they’ve allowed poor quality imported food to come into the United States!

Of course this is not new, and led to the creation of the 2011 Food Safety Modernization Act.  Prior to that imported foods were allowed to meet fewer standards of safety (in reality almost none at all) then food produced in the United States!

But don’t get too excited, under the new rules (which are still under review, by the way) the onus is on the U.S. importer to provide the FDA with ‘documents’ showing the food is safe and is being produced/packaged in a safe way.  In other words, there’s no actual FDA inspection of the foreign foods or foreign food producing facilities (as before).

And just as before, the FDA is not going to investigate food sources (even domestic sources) until after food poisoning cases have been reported.  In fact, the 2011 Food Safety Modernization Act directs the FDA to create “third party auditors” to act as “accredited” inspectors.  Those auditors could actually be “foreign government agencies or private companies”!

Sounds like the 2011 Food Safety Modernization Act is nothing but smoke and mirrors!

According to the FDA, 50% of fruit and 20% of vegetables consumed in the U.S. are imported.  Now realize there have been several studies that show norovirus is being found in vegetables and fruits, especially those that come from Europe!

 

International, U.S.

Norovirus / Tummy Bug update, 24 July 2013: Rabies misdiagnosed as tummy bug, kills several! Fear forces family to remove stomachs!!! More reasons to be a meat eater!

In Maryland U.S.A., it’s been revealed that people who got organ transplants are dying from rabies.  The latest victim died in February this year.  The North Carolina man who donated his organs had been diagnosed with a tummy bug called ciguatera, from eating contaminated fish.  Turns out he had rabies, which can have symptoms similar to tummy bug.  Three organ recipients have been successfully treated for rabies.  A report says this is not the first time this has happened in the U.S. (at least three other documented cases where several people died), and issued a warning: “This transmission event provides an opportunity for enhancing rabies awareness and recognition and highlights the need for a modified approach to organ donor screening and recipient monitoring for infectious encephalitis.”-report co-authored by U.S. CDC, published in Journal of the American Medical Association

The U.S. CDC has confirmed that this year’s norovirus outbreaks are dominated by the GII.4 Sydney strain (as I wrote months ago).

In eight U.S. states at least 275 people are sick from a protozoa called cyclospora.  10 people hospitalized.  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is trying to find the source.

In Washington U.S.A., the Seattle Parks and Recreation closed the Lincoln Park wading pool after children got sick.  They suspect norovirus.  Public pools are chlorinated, but the normal chlorine levels are not high enough to kill the new strains of tummy bugs.

In Massachusetts U.S.A., a family has removed their stomachs.  They have a genetic mutation known as CDH1.  It causes diffuse gastric cancer, which normally shows up when it reaches stage 4, meaning too late for treatment.  They’ve had several relatives die from it.  Stomach cancer is the number two cause of cancer death around the World.

In the U.S., the National Pork Board is investing $800000 USD to fight a killer pig virus called porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED).  It’s fatal for suckling pigs, and 346 cases have been confirmed in 14 states.  It’s been determined that it’s being spread when transporting pigs to markets or slaughter houses.  Right now the pork industry is being told to handle all pigs as if they were bio-hazards.  Pig meat is safe to eat when cooked properly.

Wisconsin U.S.A., reporting an invasion of Lone Star ticks, which cause ehrlichiosis.  The disease has symptoms similar to influenza and tummy bugs.  Health officials suspect the new ticks are surviving through the warmer winters.

In Canada, health officials are warning you to protect from insect bites, some of which cause tummy bug like symptoms.  Blood sucking insects spread diseases from human to human.

In Taranaki, New Zealand, cases of cryptosporidiosis are skyrocketing.  Last year they had none, this year 24 cases so far.  It usually spreads when a sick person swims in a public pool.  Treatment is the same for norovirus, drink plenty of water.

Health officials in Taiwan reporting that norovirus outbreaks are getting larger every year.  They’ve identified GII.4-2006b and GII.4-New Orleans.

In United Kingdom, more reasons to stay out of hospital.  The Royal Blackburn Hospital is apparently intentionally killing patients through neglect and harassment.  A old woman was admitted with tummy bug, but then died.  Her family says the staff ignored her, intentionally moved her to new rooms in the middle of the night, and she even wound up with injuries that she didn’t have when she went in.  The woman called the Royal Hospital “hell on earth”.  A government investigation backs up the family’s claim, saying the Royal Hospital has the highest death rates in the U.K.

Wards in the Royal Bolton Hospital and the Coronary Care Unit in U.K. have been closed.  It’s blamed on tummy bug, but hospital staff are not sure how many people are sick.

Health alarms are ringing in the U.K., after reports that the upcoming winter will see more delays in getting help at the hospital. It’s blamed on huge reductions in staff at Accident & Emergency (A&E) units across the U.K. due to funding cuts.   Also, a disease that can have tummy bug like symptoms being warned about.  It’s the killer coughing bug, called pertussis or whooping cough.  This year’s cases are up ten times from 2008.

In Scotland U.K., officials with Health Protection Scotland reporting massive increase in two or more linked cases of illnesses.  Cases of people being sick with more than two diseases at the same time is up 40% from last year.  Norovirus is the most prevalent co-infector, salmonella the second most prevalent.  68% of cases took place in nursing homes and 28% in hospitals.

U.K. news media have been circulating a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study that says 50% of all tummy bugs are caused by raw fruit and veg!  It’s usually the fertilizers used on the plants, which can actually absorb the pathogens through their roots, meaning in some cases you can’t just wash it off ’cause it’s inside the plant.

In Russia, norovirus has been found in frozen raspberries from the Netherlands.  Russian officials are warning of norovirus infections of frozen berries from Austria, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Poland, Spain, Sweden and United Kingdom.

Pakistan reporting a tummy bug outbreak in Panjpai.  At least 67 people sick.  Several people died. In Punjab, a child died from tummy bug.  Health officials say the disease is being spread by the water supply, at least 200 people sick.

In Madhya Pradesh, India, at least ten people sick from cholera.  Government officials say it’s taking place in “unauthorized” communities, whose water source is contaminated.  In Maharashtra, 31 more students have been admitted to hospital. This is the place where elementary and junior high students were poisoned by their school lunch.  22 children have died so far.  It’s blamed on a deadly pesticide (which is banned in the U.S.) that somehow got into their food.  The school principal has been arrested after an employee said she was forced by him to serve the food even after she discovered the contamination.  Also, in the same state of Maharashtra, health officials are reporting increased cases of cholera, specifically in the city of Mumbai.  Officials there are concerned because they had no cases last year. Also they report increased cases of typhoid and hepatitis.

 

International

Norovirus / Tummy Bug update, 27 May 2013: Now number 1 cause of gastroenteritis! Meat good! Another misdiagnosis gone wrong!

In Maryland U.S.A., health officials revealed that on 17 May at least 200 kids attending the Pot Spring Elementary school got sick.  Nine employees also got sick.  Preliminary lab tests blame norovirus.

In Washington U.S.A., weeks later an outbreak continues.  Back on 10 May Longview Elementary school was closed.  Grant County Health District officials have confirmed it’s norovirus, and they’re warning that there are still “…pockets of students in other Moses Lake schools with stomach illnesses.”

In Iowa U.S.A., the Siouxland District Health Department concluded their investigating into what caused about three teachers and 80 students to get sick at the Bryant Elementary School.  They blame norovirus.

A study published in the latest edition of the New England Journal of Medicine says norovirus will soon be the number one cause of gastroenteritis in children.  Rotavirus was the number one cause, but that is on the decline since a vaccine was developed.  There is no vaccine for norovirus.

According to the journal Foodborne Pathogens and Disease, norovirus is now the number one cause for gastroenteritis for children and adults in Canada.   The study says one in eight Canadians will get norovirus every year.   In the United States it’s now one in every six people!

The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting that meat based E.Coli (bacteria) caused gastroenteritis is down, by a lot.  An overall drop of 44% from 2000 to 2010.  It’s even better for ground beef (hamburger), a whopper, I mean a whopping 72% decline in E.Coli cases!  The decline is being credited to better raising of beef cows, cleaner handling of meat at the slaughter houses, and better cooking practices by consumers.

In Southampton, Hampshire U.K., a Celebrity Cruises ship docked after a trip to the Mediterranean.  It was revealed that at least 77 passengers and five crew members were sick with gastroenteritis.  The cruise line says from now on passengers will be asked if they’ve had stomach problems within three days prior to the cruise.  Customers can reschedule their cruises.

Norovirus has hit the Royal Lancaster Infirmary in Lancaster U.K.  Visitation in Ward 37 is now restricted.

In Finland, a study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health found that ‘open plan’ office work spaces not only result in less productivity, but they’re the main reason why office workers get sick!   Open space office workers take 62% more sick days than office workers who have their own office.  Studies by several U.S. and U.K. universities had similar conclusions.

In Galway, Ireland, a family recounted the death of their four years old daughter and gave a warning.  At first everyone thought she was suffering a bad case of gastroenteritis, because of the symptoms.  She died hours later in her fathers arms, after a doctor said it was just a tummy bug.  Turned out it was  an aggressive type of pneumococcal meningitis that rapidly progressed to septicemia (blood poisoning).  Meningitis can result in flu like/stomach bug like symptoms, but it’s not the flu.  You can visit the privately funded actformeningitis.ie for more info.