Norovirus Blog

Ship of the Damned - Third Cruise of Celebrity Mercury Returns Due to Norovirus

Norovirus Lawyer — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:32:43 -0800

The Celebrity Mercury returned to the Port of Charleston early Thursday to disembark guests.

The cruise liner was struck again with an outbreak of the norovirus and had to return a day earlier than scheduled.

The cruise line says 364 of the vessel's more than 1,800 passengers took ill on a cruise which left March 8.

This was the third consecutive tour where passenger were sickened with the stomach bug. Celebrity says the ship will remain in port through Sunday and extensive cleaning will again be performed.

Norovirus Hits Florida Hard

Norovirus Lawyer — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:23:58 -0800

Across Florida, 61 clusters of norovirus were identified during January and February. That's up from 47 clusters in 2009. Places where the virus can spread easily includes jails, schools and assisted living facilities.

Most healthy people survive Norovirus just fine, with recovery in about two days. Those who do come down with it are contagious for three days after they start feeling well.

Preventing the spread of the virus means hand-washing, proper food handling, and for those who are sick, staying home.

Oysters Recalled in Oregon Due to Norovirus

Norovirus Lawyer — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 07:09:34 -0800

Another food recall is in effect for parts of Oregon. Oregon Oyster Farms Incorporated is recalling oyster meat and oysters in the shell from Yaquina Bay at Newport. The recall involves one-half pint containers, pint containers, half gallon containers, and four-gallon buckets including all large, medium, small, extra-small, and petite Pacific oysters, Kumamoto oysters, and Yaquina native oysters. All shucked product product containers with sell or use by dates of February 15th through March 11th are included. The Oregon Department of Health says the recall is due to potential norovirus contamination.

Cruise Ships Causing Norovirus Outbreaks in Ports?

Norovirus Lawyer — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 07:31:47 -0800

Norovirus is a serious virus that causes nausea, diarrhea and severe cramps. This disease, often associated with cruise ship sickness, has made resurgence in the last few weeks. This time it is affecting retirement/assisted living homes. The virus has turned up in several of these facilities in Florida and South Carolina.

Communities in and around Sarasota, Florida and Charleston, South Carolina have reported an increase in the activity of the virus in the community. Schools and work place absences have increased in the last few weeks. Now, the virus has entered the retirement community where it can cause severe damage to a weak immune system.

Health officials are tracking the progress of this virus to see if it is going to spread quickly through the country. Norovirus will either stop as quickly as it started or spread like wildfire. There is no distinct pattern to the virus at all.

The best way to avoid the virus is to wash your hands continually throughout the day. Soap and water are your best defense. Carry hand sanitizer with you for convenience, but remember soap and water is a better solution. Norovirus has been associated with death in the past. It is very important to use as many preventative measures as possible to avoid the risk of getting or spreading the virus.

YMCA Youth and Government Conference at the Sheraton Hotel Hit by Norovirus

Bill Marler — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 12:13:07 -0800

The Wake County Environmental Services has confirmed that four out of the 150 people who became ill while attending the YMCA Youth and Government conference at the Sheraton Hotel over the weekend had the norovirus.

Lab results received Monday confirms the results and the County continues to investigate the source of the norovirus and has put precautionary measures in place to reduce the spread of illness. On Saturday, more than 150 youth and advisors reported experiencing nausea and vomiting while attending the conference. They were evaluated and treated by Wake EMS at the hotel. Six people were hospitalized.

"Norovirus investigations are complex," said Wake County Environmental Health and Safety director Andre Pierce. "We have to interview everyone involved, look at lab samples and work closely with food handlers and preparers. In some cases, we never definitively find the source of the norovirus." The County's epidemiological team has interviewed 152 people and have inspected several food service establishments.

The symptoms of norovirus illness usually include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and some stomach cramping. Sometimes people additionally have a low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and a general sense of tiredness. The illness often begins suddenly, and the infected person may feel very sick. In most people the illness is self-limiting with symptoms lasting for about one or two days. In general, children experience more vomiting than adults.

Croasdaile Village Norovirus Outbreak

Bill Marler — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 19:09:22 -0800

Officials are limiting access to the Croasdaile Village retirement community after dozens of residents became ill with what's believed to be norovirus.

The facility has 630 residents - which range from independent living, assisted living and nursing care residents. Of those, about 80 residents have - or have had - the illness. About 50 of 300 employees have also been affected.

To try and stop the spread, officials are working closely with the Durham Health Department which recommended limiting access to the facility. A command center has been set up and officials say residents can get anything they need brought to them. Family members can also drop things off.

Norovirus at DePaul Medical Center

Bill Marler — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:56:50 -0800

Visitation has been restricted on a unit at Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center this week because of an outbreak of norovirus, a highly contagious stomach bug that causes vomiting, diarrhea and fever.

Lynne Zultanky, spokeswoman for the hospital, said staff identified the symptoms of norovirus in patients on a transitional care unit on Friday, and the diagnosis was confirmed by the Norfolk Department of Public Health on Monday. She said a dozen patients were identified with symptoms of norovirus, along with 10 staff members.

No further admissions are being made to the transitional care unit, and no visitors have been allowed on that unit. Zultanky said the hospital is working with the health department to prevent the spread of the virus.

John Monroe, epidemiologist with the Norfolk health department, said the restrictions will be in place until three days have passed with no new illnesses.

Norovirus is a viral illness that can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramping, low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and tiredness. It usually lasts one or two days and rarely has complications.

Larry Hill, spokesman for the eastern region of the Virginia Department of Health, said norovirus outbreaks are more common in late fall, winter and early spring because people congregate together, making the virus easier to spread, particularly in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, day care centers and schools.

Norovirus Link Closed Louisiana Oyster Beds

Norovirus Attorney — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 18:58:09 -0800

The Advocate reported today, “oyster bed closures “safety net.”

The closure of some oyster harvesting grounds in southwest Louisiana this week highlights how pollution can impact the state’s fishing industry. The state Department of Health and Hospitals halted oyster harvesting in lower Calcasieu Lake on Thursday on the suspicion that oysters from the area might have been linked to a norovirus outbreak in North Carolina.

Public health officials in Raleigh, N.C., reported that about 280 people became sick last month after dining at an oyster bar that served oysters from the area in question.

Norovirus is a name applied to a group of highly contagious and fairly common illnesses that cause flu-like symptoms for one to two days.

It can find its way into oysters by way of sewage run-off.

Norovirus and other food-borne illnesses linked to run-off are such a concern that Louisiana has a system in place that calls for the precautionary closure of oyster harvesting in certain areas based on the conditions and times of year that can be problematic.

FDA - Texas Oysters have Norovirus - Illnesses Linked in North and South Carolina

Norovirus Attorney — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 04:47:24 -0800

The U.S. government warned consumers Sunday to avoid oysters from San Antonio Bay in Texas after investigators found the oysters caused a highly contagious virus.

Consumers who bought San Antonio Bay-harvested oysters on or after November 16 should throw them away, the Food and Drug Administration announced. The agency also advised restaurant managers and grocers not to serve or sell the Texas oysters.

About a dozen cases of norovirus-related illnesses in North Carolina and South Carolina were "definitely linked" to oysters recently harvested from the San Antonio Bay, FDA spokeswoman Rita Chappelle told CNN.

Texas' health department has already recalled all oysters harvested from the bay between November 16 and November 25, the health department said in a statement on its Web site. San Antonio Bay has also been closed to commercial oyster harvesting, the statement said.

Texas authorities are still investigating how the oysters were contaminated and where they were distributed, Chappelle said.

Noroviruses cause gastroenteritis, also known as the stomach flu. They are highly contagious, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Aside from contracting the virus from food or drink, one can become ill by touching contaminated surfaces and then their mouth, or by coming into direct contact with an infected individual.

Symptoms associated with the virus include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramping. Affected individuals often experience low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and fatigue. The illness typically lasts one to two days according to the CDC.

Anyone who ate the now-recalled oysters and who are now showing symptoms of norovirus should see a doctor and contact the local health department.

Effects of technological processes on the tenacity and inactivation of norovirus GGII in experimentally contaminated foods

Norovirus Lawyer — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 04:41:55 -0800

American Society for Microbiology
Sascha Mormann, Mareike Dabisch, and Barbara Becker

Abstract

Contaminated food is a significant vehicle of human norovirus transmission. The present study determined the effect of physicochemical treatments on the tenacity of infective human norovirus genogroup II in selected foods. Artificially contaminated produce was subjected to a selection of processes used by the food industry for preservation and by the consumer for storage and preparation. Virus recovery was carried out by ultrafiltration and monitored with bacteriophage MS2 as an internal process control. Norovirus was quantified with monoplex one-step TaqMan real-time RT-PCR and an external standard curve based on recombinant RNA standards. A RNase pretreatment step was introduced to avoid false-positive PCR results caused by accessible RNA allowing the detection of intact virus particles. Significant titer reductions were obtained with heat treatments usually applied by the consumer for food preparation (baking, cooking, roasting). Generally, processes for preservation and storage, such as cooling, freezing, acidification ( pH 4.5) and moderate heat treatments (pasteurization) appear to be insufficient to inactivate norovirus within a food matrix or on the surface. Beside the persistence in processed food, this study provides comparable data about individual matrix-specific protective effects, recovery rates and inhibitory influences on the PCR reactions. The established workflow might be applied to other non-cultivable enteric RNA viruses which are connected to foodborne diseases. The obtained data of this project may also benefit the process optimization for norovirus inactivation in food by adjusting food processing technologies and promote the development of risk assessment systems in order to improve the consumer protection.

Norovirus Outbreaks Linked to Cruise Ship Bathrooms

Bill Marler — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:21:03 -0800

A study suggests one possible culprit: dirty restrooms. Most restrooms on these ships are not being properly cleaned, the authors say, and a sanitation program run by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not detect the dirty ones.

According to researchers writing in the Nov. 1 issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases, the C.D.C. identified contamination with norovirus as the problem in almost all of these infections. But the ships generally had high passing scores on the inspection closest to their outbreaks. In fact, their scores were on average higher than those of ships with passengers who had no episodes of diarrheal disease.

Norovirus can survive for weeks on surfaces at room temperature, and it is difficult to kill. “It’s a tough virus,” said the lead author of the study, Dr. Philip C. Carling. “It isn’t killed by alcohol hand rubs. Chlorine bleach is the only thing that works.”

There were 19 outbreaks of intestinal illness during the 3-year study period. Although the survey was not designed to detect norovirus or establish the cause of any illness, the restroom cleanliness scores were slightly lower on ships that had outbreaks than on those that had none.

The difference was not statistically significant, but the authors said the findings were consistent with the possibility that restroom contamination contributed to norovirus epidemics.

“We’re not saying that poor cleaning causes norovirus outbreaks,” Dr. Carling said, adding, “I believe that one or more people with norovirus who handle food, or possibly a passenger, comes down with norovirus, and substandard hygiene serves as a facilitator of the spread in a closed population.”

Norovirus Death of Dr. Edward Nacht Linked to Weston Hills Country Club

Norovirus Lawyer — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:25:03 -0800

A norovirus, which can be passed by food, likely was what killed a Weston, FL dentist who was one of four friends to get sick shortly after eating lunch at Weston Hills Country Club in June, a new Broward County Health Department report says.

But the report this week stopped short of naming the club as the source of the virus, and state regulators have taken no disciplinary action. Dr. Edward Nacht could have caught norovirus from his chicken quesadilla lunch, because at least one food-service worker at the club had it, but lab tests did not prove it, the report says.

"This report is not showing any punitive actions," said department spokeswoman Candy Sims, who declined to elaborate.

The club has denied wrongdoing or that Nacht died from his lunch. A spokeswoman could not be contacted for comment despite calls to her office and mobile phone.

But Nacht's family said the test results show what happened.

"If Dr. Nacht hadn't eaten there, he would still be alive today," Dr. Jason Hirsh, Nacht's son-in-law and dental partner, said Friday."Norovirus was the cause of the outbreak and there was norovirus in the employees."

Norovirus, a common cause of disease known for outbreaks on cruise ships, spreads most often from fecal material on unwashed hands.

Nacht and three friends ate lunch at the club after playing golf, and all got sick within a day. Nacht never recovered, and died days later in a hospital. A state inspection found food safety violations, including improperly warm coolers and raw foods touching each other. Health officials found 21 others who got sick after eating at the club in that time frame, but did not link them to Nacht.

Polish Raspberries cause Norovirus Outbreak in Finland

Norovirus Attorney — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:47:33 -0800

Noroviruses are part of a group of viruses understood to be the most common cause of stomach upset. They cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, and people may also have a fever and head and muscle pains. Although an individual’s symptoms may pass in one or two days, the disease is highly contagious and remains in the faeces for several weeks afterwards.

Finland was hit by outbreaks of the bug in May and June, and analysis confirmed that Polish raspberries were the cause. The fruits are now suspected as having caused the new cases have been reported in the south since the beginning of this month. Evira has not said now many people are currently known to have become sick, but they are thought to have been infected after eating desserts and cakes made with frozen raspberries that have not been heated before use. The virus can enter the fruit through contaminated irrigation water, and it stays alive and contagious during freezing. In order to safeguard against infection, users of foreign frozen raspberries should heat the fruit to 90 ºC for at least two minutes, says Evira. Slight heating after defrosting is not enough to ensure the raspberries are safe.

Free Meals at The Fat Duck - You need Norovirus First

Norovirus Attorney — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 19:16:51 -0800

When I was in England in May I tried to get reservations at Heston Blumenthal's Fat Duck. Whether is was my profession or that it was actually busy, I do not know. However, now more than 500 diners who suffered food poisoning after eating at the Fat Duck restaurant have been offered a free meal.

A norovirus outbreak hit the Michelin-starred establishment in Berkshire for six weeks in January and February. Although the restaurant denied lapses in its food preparation, health investigators criticised its response in a recent report. During the norovirus outbreak, diners reported bouts of vomiting and diarrhoea.

In its report released earlier this month, the Health Protection Agency said the norovirus was probably introduced via shellfish. But it said the outbreak of food poisoning was worsened by the Bray restaurant's "delayed response". Investigators noted several weaknesses in the restaurant's procedures at the establishment in Bray which may have lead to the spread of the virus. These included a delayed response to the illness, staff working when they should have been off sick and the use of the wrong environmental cleaning products.

Perhaps next time - NOT.

Norovirus Experts Gather In London on Nov. 25h

Norovirus Lawyer — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 20:00:13 -0800

An international conference for sharing experiences and updates on current knowledge of the Norovirus and managing outbreaks in both clinical and community settings is set for Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2009 in London.

Sponsor of the one day event is the Royal Society for Public Health.

"Norovirus used to be known as the 'winter vomiting virus,' but now could claim the title of the 'cruise ship bug,' given it's prolificacy in that environment," the sponsors write, "Norvirus is known for its dominance of the gastrointestinal infection statistics and its ability to close down hospital wards or hotels when it strikes."

Speakers will include Norovirus experts from the United States, England, and Ireland. It will include focuses on managing outbreaks in large hotels and holiday camps, and cruise ships in addition to cleaning the environment and control the spread of the virus across borders.

Norovirus accounts for 50 percent of worldwide foodborne gastroenteritis (diarrhea and vomitting) outbreaks. It accounts for an estimated 23 million illnesses annually in the U.S.

For more information and registration go to the Booking Form for: Norovirus: An On going Challenge.

Norovirus: An Ongoing Challenge

Norovirus Lawyer — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 08:26:12 -0800

25 November 2009

28 Portland Place, London, W1B 1DE

Tab 1: Conference overview

Norovirus outbreaks remain a major public health concern and the subject of much media attention.

It is estimated that Norovirus accounts for 50% of worldwide food borne gastroenteritis (diarrhoea and vomiting) outbreaks and causes more than 23 million cases of acute gastroenteritis a year in the USA alone. It is also the most prevalent cause of infectious gastroenteritis in England and Wales – and is now recognised to occur throughout the year and affect individuals of any age.

Norovirus used to be known as the ‘winter vomiting virus’, but now could claim the title of the ‘cruise ship bug’, given it’s prolificacy in that environment. Norovirus is also known for its dominance of the gastrointestinal infection statistics and its ability to close down hospital wards or hotels when it strikes.

With the continuing difficulties involved in controlling outbreaks of Norovirus, this conference will share experiences and update delegates on current knowledge of the virus and managing outbreaks, both in clinical and community settings.

The conference will be chaired by Professor Rodney Cartwright, Medical Microbiologist and RSPH advisor.

Who should attend?

This meeting will provide an excellent opportunity to update on the issues surrounding Norovirus infection and outbreak. It is essential learning for those working in the health sector, environmental health, the cleaning products industry, the cruise ship industry and anyone working in infection control.

For more information, please contact Jennifer Tatman, Conference and Event Officer on 020 3177 1614 or jtatman@rsph.org.uk.

Shellfish Blamed For Norovirus Outbreak At Fat Duck

Norovirus Attorney — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 20:16:06 -0800

The New York Times says the Fat Duck restaurant is one of the world's best, so it must be true. We thought it might be interesting to read the British Health Protection Agency's report on last winter's Norovirus outbreak that made 529 duck diners sick. In part it says:

The investigation was conducted by the HPA and Environmental Health Officers from the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. Berkshire East Primary Care Trust was also involved. The final report has been delayed due to the swine flu pandemic which required priority response from the Health Protection Agency.

Investigations focused on laboratory testing of diners with symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting (where possible); analysis of detailed questionnaires sent to others who reported similar illness; investigation of illness among staff; examination of the restaurant environment and food processing, handling and supply; laboratory testing of food samples.

Putting together findings from all these parts of the investigation, the main conclusions were that:

There was a large outbreak of food poisoning among diners at the Fat Duck Restaurant in January and February 2009, with more than 500 reporting illness - over 15 percent of those dining there during this period
The organism responsible was norovirus which was probably introduced via shellfish (more diners who ate shellfish dishes reported illness). Oysters were served raw; razor clams may not have been appropriately handled or cooked; tracing of shellfish to source showed evidence of contamination and there have been reports of illness in other establishments associated with oysters from the same source
The outbreak continued for at least six weeks (between January 6 and February 22) because of ongoing transmission at the restaurant - which may have occurred through continuous contamination of foods prepared in the restaurant or by person-to-person spread between staff and diners or a mixture of both
Several weaknesses in procedures at the restaurant may have contributed to ongoing transmission including: delayed response to the incident; staff working when they should have been off sick and using the wrong environmental cleaning products
Delays in notification of illness may have affected the ability of the investigation to identify the exact reason for the norovirus contamination.

The Fat Duck told the New York Times it knew of no employee who worked while sick.

Norovirus 101--Here's What We All Really Need To Know!

Norovirus Lawyer — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 20:29:46 -0800

Mark Roberts is a Texas-based insurance sales and marketing agent who doubles as a pretty decent health writer. In the Cypress Times, he takes a "just the facts" approach to laying out what we all need to know about Norovirus. A few examples:

The norovirus is known to be highly contagious; and, therefore, the illness can literally be passed around like a big bag of chips in a hurry.

Actually, according to GuideToCaribbeanVacations.com, these are a group of related viruses, referred to as "Norwalk-like viruses" or NLV, causing acute gastroenteritis in humans. The incubation period is usually between 24 and 48 hours although cases have been reported to occur within 12 hours of exposure. Symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea with abdominal cramps and nausea generally lasting 24 to 60 hours. Dehydration is the most common complication. Yet even during the worst, most publicized outbreaks of sick ship only a small percentage of passengers are usually affected. According to Princess Cruises, "Statistics have shown that the chance of contracting Norovirus on land is 1 in 12; and 1 in 4000 on a cruise ship."

According to the Minnesota Department of Health, Noroviruses are members of a group of viruses called caliciviruses, also known previously as “Norwalk-like viruses.” Norovirus is also called viral gastroenteritis, food poisoning, and calicivirus. Norovirus infection causes gastroenteritis, which is an inflammation of the stomach and the small and large intestines. And, Norovirus is by far the leading cause of foodborne illness outbreaks. This infection is often mistakenly referred to as the “stomach flu"- it is not related to the flu (influenza), which is a respiratory illness caused by influenza virus. Norovirus is not a “new” virus, but interest in it is growing as more is learned about how frequently noroviruses cause illness in people.

Read the rest in The Cypress Times.

Oregon Assisted Living Facility Locked Down During Norovirus Outbreak

Norovirus Lawyer — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 09:58:14 -0800

Nick Christensen, writing in The Hillsboro Argus, reports that residents at the Jennings McCall Center in Forest Grove, OR have been in quarantine since Aug. 11 after an outbreak of norovirus.

Adella MacDonald, chief executive officer of the Jennings McCall Center, said the first case of norovirus came in on Aug. 7. After consulting with county health officials, a quarantine was placed.

At the outbreak's peak, 23 staff members and 21 of the facility's 121 residents had contracted the virus, MacDonald said. One resident was taken to the hospital with dehydration, but nobody was kept overnight.

"We're very fortunate," she said.

Residents were allowed out on their porches for fresh air, and had meals brought to their rooms. Those residents who had access to the outside world without going through the central facility were able to leave with family, MacDonald said.

Area Of North Cornwall Has Confirmed Norovirus Outbreak Involving 200

Norovirus Attorney — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:24:24 -0800

The Treyarnon Bay area of North Cornwall (see lower left area on map) has an outbreak of sickness and diarrhea that has now been confirmed as Norovirus.

Since late July, about 200 people have suffered symptoms in the area.

South West Peninsula Health Protection Unit, NHS Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Cornwall Council and the Environment Agency are working together on the outbreak which has mostly affected people staying at vacation hotels, although no single source of the infection has been established.

The outbreak has been confirmed through laboratory testing as Norovirus, a common stomach bug causing an illness which usually only lasts a day or two clearing up by itself.