Norovirus Blog

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.

Tabacco Plant Used As Source For New Norovirus Vaccine

Norovirus Attorney — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 15:02:22 -0800

Tobacco could get a whole new reputation as science turns to the lowly plant as the source for a new vaccine to stop the dreaded Norovirus.

Also known as the cruise ship virus, Norovirus is responsible for the sudden onset of diarrhea and vomiting. In addition to cruise ships, it often strikes hotels, nursing homes and colleges.

A new vaccine is unique in its origin as it was made in a tobacco plant using an engineered plant virus. Scientists are using plants in the battle against norovirus, swine flu, bird flu, and other infectious diseases, said Dr. Charles Arntzen, speaking Tuesday at the 238th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society.

Norovirus, like the flu virus, is constantly changing, which has made creating a vaccine for it challenging for pharmaceutical companies, Arntzen said.

“The recent outbreak of H1N1 influenza virus has once again reminded us of the ability of disease-causing agents to mutate into new and dangerous forms,” he said in a news release.

The norovirus will continue to evolve into new strains, so Arntzen’s team designed a vaccine manufacturing process quick enough to keep up with it and other shape-shifting viruses, he said.

Emeritus Pavilion at Crossing Point in Orlando In Partial Quarantine With Norovirus

Norovirus Attorney — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 09:42:47 -0800

Managers of institutions like the Emeritus Pavilion at Crossing Point in Orlando will breathe a sign of relief this year when mass illness turns out to be ordinary norovirus and not Swine Flu.

The Emeritus Pavilion--a multi-story facility for both independent and assisted living—however still finds itself in the middle of a mini quarantine with visitors being turned away with as many as ten residents are recovering from gastrointestinal problems including vomiting and diarrhea.

The outbreak is being investigated by the Orange County Health Department, which is collecting food and stool samples at the nursing home. Health inspectors and staff are being allowed to come and go from the facility

Swine Flu has been ruled out as the cause of the illnesses. The Health Department suspects Noroviruss, which can come on quickly.

The Emeritus Pavilion offers both Alzheimer’s care and respite care during short term stays.

Spanish Study Finds Norovirus A Principal Definable Cause of Foodborne Illness

Norovirus Lawyer — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 11:55:54 -0800

A study by the University Hospital in Albacete, Spain finds that noroviruses were the principal definable causes of foodborne illnesses.

Norovirus commonly causes pediatric diarrhea in the region of Spain where the hospital is located. The study found the role of noroviruses in mixed infections requires additional study.

Three years of data, covering 2005-08, shows norovirus was the second most common agent implicated in acute sporadic episodes of gastroenteritis in children under age 5 who required hospitalization.

“Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of norovirus severe infection in children are not so well established and identifying the clinical profile of this infection would be useful because of the absence of rapid and widely-available detection methods in clinical laboratories, “ says the study report.

Norovirus was detected in 17.3 percent of the 221 study participants. Some of the characteristics researchers noted include:

Norovirus was present in 52.5 percent of 32 patients with mixed infections and was identified as the single etiological pathogen in 8.2 percent.
The most common symptoms were vomiting and fever.
The typical hospital stay was 3.5 days.
Norovirus affected mostly children under age 2.

More can be found in Infectious Diseases in Children.

Nevada Forest Fire Fighters Are Now Down With Norovirus

Norovirus Attorney — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 18:48:59 -0800

If there is a more dirty, dangerous job than forest fire fighting, we'd like to hear about it. Earlier this month north of Reno along the edge of the Sierra Nevada wild fires required the help of about 600 forest fire fighters.

Now fire fighters on the Tailer 1 and Red Rock fires are testing positive for norovirus. The exact number sick was not yet known, according to the Washoe District Health Department. Cases of 24 fire personnel are being investigated, including 18 fire fighters and six contract staff members.

While fire fighters probably do not come into close contact with one another while on the line, they are close enough during down time for the highly contagious norovirus to spread. From the time one is infected with norovirus to up to two weeks after recovery, he or she is contagious.

From Cruise Ship To Casino, Norovirus Gets Around

Norovirus Attorney — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 11:14:04 -0800

Whenever you are wishing you are on vacation you can usually pick up the newspaper and find reasons to be glad you are at work. Just thinking about being on board the 400-passenger Marco Polo with 150 sick and one dead due to norovirus or checking into Reno's famous Peppermill Resort and Casino to find a wedding party there has norovirus are enough to make you glad your are not there.

The man who died on the Marco Polo is believed to be from Norwich area of England. Like the others on board, the man was "on holiday" when he died. The London Telegraph reports:

The ship is docked in Invergordon, Easter Ross, and NHS Highland said last night that tests were underway to confirm the nature of the outbreak. Some patients are thought to have been taken to hospital in Inverness.

The Marco Polo, operated by Transocean Cruises, sailed from Tilbury docks in London at the weekend and was due to sail around Britain and Ireland over the next week.

Meanwhile, Reno health officials are investigating an apparent norovirus outbreak at the Peppermill that is believed centered around a wedding party that brought about 175 to the hotel casino.

Three Months Of Norovirus Outbreaks Leaves Northern New Zealand With Almost 400 Victims

Norovirus Attorney — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 15:49:01 -0800

New Zealand's Manawatu Standard is keeping score on the ongoing Norovirus outbreaks on the country's North Island. Staff Writer Janine Rankin reports:

Nearly 400 people in Palmerston North and Horowhenua have been stricken by the bug norovirus in the past three months.

The figure doesn't include more than 150 Palmerston North Hospital patients and staff who were ill during March and April, and an undisclosed number since the second week of June.

While the hospital has locked most of its doors against visitors, restricted entrance to most wards and shut down visitor lifts to control its outbreak, the incidence of the bug in the community has waned since April.

MidCentral Public Health Unit health protection officer Peter Wood confirmed 15 outbreaks of gastroenteritis had been reported in three months, and in 12 of them, norovirus was confirmed as the cause.

Most of the outbreaks were in residential institutions such as rest homes, but two were not. Check out the rest of her story in the Manawatu Standard.

Three Months Of Norovirus Outbreaks Leaves Northern New Zealand With Almost 400 Victims

Norovirus Attorney — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 15:49:01 -0800

New Zealand's Manawatu Standard is keeping score on the ongoing Norovirus outbreaks on the country's North Island. Staff Writer Janine Rankin reports:

Nearly 400 people in Palmerston North and Horowhenua have been stricken by the bug norovirus in the past three months.

The figure doesn't include more than 150 Palmerston North Hospital patients and staff who were ill during March and April, and an undisclosed number since the second week of June.

Most of the outbreaks were in residential institutions such as rest homes, but two were not.