The symptoms of norovirus illness usually include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and some stomach cramping which of course can be a cause for concern for many people including Emetophobics so I have added this thread to update you all of any news relating to outbreaks of the virus. I will continue to update the thread as and when I receive any news so keep checking back.

[center]Current Situation in the Uk - January 2008 - from The Health Protection Agency
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This season we have seen an increase in reports of norovirus cases, almost double the number reported for the same period last year.

Several factors are thought to have contributed to the increase in cases reported already this year. The norovirus season has started uncharacteristically early compared to other years. There is also thought to be an increased level of awareness of the infection and symptoms by both the public and physicians, hence more cases are being identified. In addition, improvements have been made in diagnostics at regional laboratories and the increased sensitivity in testing may have resulted in more cases being diagnosed.

Numbers of norovirus fluctuate each year with laboratory reported cases representing only a small fraction of the number of cases that actually occur. The self-limiting infection usually only lasts a few days hence the majority of cases are not reported to the clinician.

Norovirus is highly contagious, however, one of the ways to protect against the infection or to help prevent yourself or others becoming infected, is by practising good hygiene. This includes thorough hand washing especially after using the toilet, and any contaminated surface should be thoroughly disinfected after an episode of illness. Food preparation should also be avoided until 48 hours after symptoms have disappeared.

Unfortunately there is no specific treatment for norovirus apart from letting the illness run its course, therefore it is important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration especially in the very young or elderly.

It is not unusual to see outbreaks occurring in hospitals, as the virus quickly spreads in confined environments.

Taking action early in an outbreak by closing a ward to new admissions can help control outbreaks. A study by the Health Protection Agency has shown that outbreaks of norovirus are shortened when control measures at healthcare settings are implemented quickly, such as closing wards to new admissions within 4 days of the beginning of the outbreak and implementing strict hygiene measures.

[center]Norovirus News[/center]

Contagious stomach virus makes rounds in Burlco
By Courierpostonline

Burlington County health officials have received reports from nursing homes of increased gastrointestinal illness caused by a stomach virus.

County health department coordinator Robert Gogats said 80 cases associated with a suspected outbreak of norovirus, a contagious common stomach virus, have been received.

Some residents also have reported a similar illness in their families that is consistent with norovirus, he said.

"We have had two lab-confirmed cases so far from one of the outbreaks and have other specimens from other outbreaks going to the lab today," Gogats said without identifying the long-term care facilities.

The nonlethal, 24- to 48-hour virus has been reported in the New York City and Philadelphia regions in recent months.

Symptoms usually include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramping.

Gogats said people can be infected in several ways -- direct contact with an infected person, eating food or liquids contaminated by the virus or touching surfaces or objects that have been contaminated and then touching one's mouth.

He said victims should drink plenty of fluids and see a doctor. To prevent the illness, hand-washing and thorough cleaning of surfaces and clothing are recommended.

Jennifer Horner, the county epidemiologist, said there was an outbreak recently at a restaurant among workers and customers but there is no longer a problem there. Because she said there is no ongoing risk, she declined to identify the restaurant for privacy reasons.

[center]Norovirus News[/center]

Stroud General Hospital ward closed due to norovirus
By Thisisgloucestershire

The winter vomiting bug has forced a hospital to close off part of a ward.
Two patients have gone down with the norovirus at Stroud General Hospital, prompting staff there to close their bay until they recover.
There have been a handful of cases of the bug over Christmas but Gloucestershire Primary Care Trust says the situation is under control.
The bay, on Jubilee ward, is closed to admissions and non-urgent transfers. It will reopen once no further patients show symptoms and a deep clean has been completed.

[center]Norovirus News[/center]

Two wards closed after bug outbreak
By Thisishullandeastriding
Monday, January 12, 2009, 14:10

Two hospital wards remain closed following an outbreak of a diarrhoea and vomiting bug.
Ward 10 at Hull Royal Infirmary and ward one at Castle Hill Hospital, in Cottingham, are closed due to norovirus.
Ward six at Castle Hill was closed last week due to the bug but reopened yesterday.
Norovirus is usually quite mild, lasting for about 48 hours.
However, people who have had symptoms can remain infectious for another 48 hours after symptoms have gone.

[center]Norovirus News[/center]

Visitors urged to stay away from bug-hit Wrexham hospital
By Eveningleader
Published Date: 12 January 2009



BOSSES at the Wrexham Maelor hospital have asked visitors to stay away after an outbreak of the highly infectious winter vomiting bug.
So far, 99 cases have been reported and the Wrexham hospital has urged people to put off visiting patients in a bid to stop the spread of the norovirus bug.

Patients on a total of ten wards had displayed signs of the norovirus illness, with the first cases appearing before Christmas.

In some cases they were admitted because of the illness, in others symptoms developed after they came into hospital.

In total, 99 patients have been affected since the outbreak started.

Hospital spokesman Andy Scotson said: "This bug is a particular problem, not just in hospitals, because it spreads so easily from person to person, through direct contact and also through the air.

"To help us control the current situation, we are asking people to cut back on visiting friends and relatives on the affected wards unless it is absolutely necessary. In particular we want to discourage children from coming onto the wards.

"As well as reducing the risk of further infection being inadvertently carried into the hospital from outside, we don't want visitors to be at risk of picking up the illness which they could then take back home.

"We especially ask that anyone who has themselves had diarrhoea or vomiting does not visit until they have been clear of symptoms for 48 hours.""

Those who are due to come into hospital for operations need not be concerned as patients are not being admitted to wards affected by the outbreak.

Likewise clinics and outpatient work continues as normal.

Mr Scotson said everyone could help protect themselves from norovirus, as well as other illnesses, by making sure they follow good hand hygiene, whether in hospital, or at home.

[center]Norovirus News[/center]

Virus-hit ward reopens
By Expressandstar



Stafford Hospital has re-opened one ward but two others remain closed following an outbreak of the Norovirus bug, it was revealed today.

Spokeswoman Sarah Hughes said they have five confirmed cases of the virus with a further six patients showing symptoms over the last 24 hours.

Hospital bosses are asking people not to visit in a bid to cut down the risk of the winter vomiting bug spreading.

The Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the hospital, closed the wards on Friday when two cases of Norovirus were confirmed and another 12 patients showed symptoms.

Director of nursing and governance Helen Moss said: “We would urge anyone who has a stomach upset – or a cold, cough or any condition that may be infectious – not to visit our hospitals as we are concerned for the welfare of both our patients and our staff.

“We have placed posters in our main reception areas at Stafford and Cannock Chase Hospitals advising visitors of steps they can take to reduce the spread of infection.”

There is no specific treatment for Norovirus. Drinking plenty of water will help to replace the fluids lost through diarrhoea and vomiting, and prevent dehydration.

This is very important for young children and the elderly.

“People who have had diarrhoea and sickness are advised to allow at least two days after their sickness before returning to work or going out in public,” added Dr Moss.

[center]Norovirus News[/center]

Beaumont Hospital continues visitor ban
By Ciara O'brien
Irishtimes

Beaumont Hospital has reissued its appeal to visitors to stay away from its wards as the serious outbreak of the winter vomiting bug that has hit the hospital continued to affect patients.

In the past two weeks, 192 patients and 102 staff have been affected by the norovirus. Seventy-five patients were suffering from the bug yesterday.

The hospital has barred all visitors from the emergency department, while others are being permitted only if they are pre-authorised.

Non-urgent inpatient elective procedures have been cancelled, and the hospital's management has called on people to go to their GPs where possible rather than the emergency department.

“As the HSE has pointed out in its 'Use the Right Door' campaign, for a patient whose needs are not urgent a visit to the GP or pharmacist may be an easier and faster way to get the right type of help or advice,” the hospital said.

Yesterday, St Vincent's Hospital announced it was placing restrictions on visitors and asked that children be kept away from the hospital after 50 patients throughout its wards fell victim to the virus.

[center]Norovirus News[/center]

7 patients hit by norovirus
By Christina Toth, The Times
Published: Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Seven patients at Abbotsford's Worthington Pavilion acute care unit were hit by a norovirus in the past week, forcing facility staff to take precautions to prevent the spread of the illness.

"The first case was Jan. 3. It was contained very quickly by staff," said Joan Marshall, a spokeswoman for the Fraser Health Authority.

"Because staff detected it very quickly, patients were isolated and there has been no movement of patients in or out of the building," she said yesterday.

Visitors are still permitted into the acute care unit, provided they wear gloves, gown and mask and do not visit any other areas of the extended care and rehabilitation centre.

As of yesterday, only two of those who became ill remained symptomatic, Marshall said. New admissions were being allowed.

Marshall said she was not aware of any other cases of the norovirus in any other Fraser Health facilities, although some people working at Worthington did come down with the gastro-intestinal virus. They were told to stay at home until they were no longer symptomatic.

Noroviruses are commonly found throughout North America and are extremely infectious.

Noroviruses can survive on practically any surface including door handles, sinks, railings and glassware. They occur throughout the year but are more common in winter and affect all age groups.

Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps. Sometimes, people may also have a low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and fatigue.

The illness often begins suddenly, about 24 to 48 hours after exposure, and lasts about 48 hours.

Marshall said the number of cases do not constitute an "outbreak."

"These things do happen at this time of the year," she said.

Worthington Pavilion is an extended care facility. Yesterday, 17 of the 25 available beds were occupied.

[center]Norovirus News[/center]

Virus leads to visit ban at hospital
By Ben Russell
Redditchadvertiser



A TOTAL ban on visiting at the Alexandra Hospital has now been introduced after another outbreak of the highly infectious Norovirus.

The move comes just a month after the hospital banned visitors from its wards following the lead of Worcestershire Royal and Kidderminster hospitals because of the winter vomiting bug.

At the beginning of December last year Worcestershire Royal Hospital banned visitors after 40 patients in four wards were diagnosed.

One case was found at Kidderminster and 19 people showing similar symptoms were admitted in Redditch.

The Alex also had to postpone a number of operations and surgery for several days in September due to Norovirus and visitors were asked to only go to hospital if essential.

An NHS Trust spokesman said: “These are bugs that are common in the community and many of the affected patients have become ill while at home or elsewhere and had to come in for treatment as a result of the debilitating effects of that infection.

“If we admit a patient for treatment who has Norovirus then obviously we have to focus on nursing them back to health, but we also have to do everything we can to make sure that their infection isn’t passed on to other patients, or visitors, or staff.

“That means isolating them as much as possible, making sure that our normal stringent cleaning regimes are closely observed and all necessary extra deep cleaning of affected areas carried out.

“What we’ve learnt from previous outbreaks is that swift action can help to limit the spread of these highly contagious infections which is why we have now moved from a partial to a total visiting ban at the Alex as part of a package of measures to limit the spread.”

They added: “We are sympathetic to the needs of our patients and we don’t want anyone to suffer as a result of this ban, so we would advise anyone with concerns about visiting to contact the relevant matron or ward manager.”

Norovirus, or winter vomiting bug, is a contagious virus that normally lasts for one or two days.

But some vulnerable or elderly people may need hospital treatment to help them recover.

[center]Norovirus News[/center]

Hospital asks visitors to help reduce spread of norovirus
10:21, Jan 12 2009
by Lois York, Flintshire Chronicle

WREXHAM Maelor Hospital is asking local people to think twice about visiting friends and relatives in hospital after a number of patients were affected by norovirus.

Patients on 10 wards have displayed signs of the illness, also known as winter vomiting disease, with the first cases appearing before Christmas.

In some cases they were admitted because of the illness, in others symptoms developed after they came into hospital.

In total 99 patients have been affected since the outbreak started.

Hospital spokesman Andy Scotson said: “This bug is a particular problem, not just in hospitals, because it spreads so easily from person to person, through direct contact and also through the air.

[center]Norovirus News[/center]

Norovirus suspected of sickening 15 at U. of Mich
By Ann Arbor
Battlecreekenquirer

Officials say norovirus is suspected of sickening more than a dozen people at the University of Michigan.

The Ann Arbor News reports the cafeteria in a new $145 million building at the Stephen M. Ross School of Business was cleaned and sanitized. Seven cafeteria workers and eight people who ate there reported illnesses.

The cafeteria at the Ann Arbor school reopened Tuesday. Nearby public bathrooms and public spaces also were cleaned and sanitized.

Terry Alexander is executive director of the University of Michigan’s occupational safety and environmental health office. He says laboratory tests weren’t yet available, but norovirus was suspected.

Norovirus symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramping.

[center]Norovirus News[/center]

“Miracle virus” back with a vengeance
By Helsinki Times
Thursday, 15 January 2009 14:12

The norovirus is once again on the loose in Finland, provoking symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea among its unfortunate victims. Over the last two years, a persistent nuisance has slowly grown into a full-blown epidemic.
“This microscopic but powerful virus is capable of causing a lot of grief. It’s quite surprising how easy it is for these viruses which are typically carried by faecal matter to spread even in developed countries,” says Professor Emeritus Carl-Henrik von Bonsdorff from the University of Helsinki.

The norovirus is spread very rapidly through either person-to-person transmission or by way of contaminated water or food. A mere handshake, for instance, is often enough to transport it from one victim to the next. The virus is immune to the cold, and nor does chlorified water kill it. The symptoms appear within a day of infection.

Young and old equally vulnerable

The variation GII.4 is clearly the most common form of the norovirus, and has been dubbed the “miracle virus”. It has managed to trigger numerous epidemics, many of them bringing pandemonium in their wake. In recent years, these have struck at intervals of two to three years. The GII.4 is devastatingly effective when it comes to transmission by direct contact. In practice this makes hospital wards and nursing homes are the sites of most rapid transmission.

After infection and recovery, victims enjoy immunity for only a few months, so potential hosts of all ages are equally vulnerable to the virus. The viruses are also quick to mutate: although a virus may initially only spread among victims of certain blood types, it is capable of reforming its own structure in such a way that other types become susceptible, too. This in turn ensures that at any one time there exist an entire range of slight variations on the viral theme.

Avoiding the virus demands strict hygiene. During the epidemic, it is important to wash one's hands with particular care, and perhaps even avoid shaking hands with others.

Sinikka Suosalmi– STT
Matthew Parry – HT

[center]Norovirus News[/center]

Virus hits hospital in the gut
By BETH JOHNSTON, SUN MEDIA
The Ottawa Sun

If the recession, bus strike and deep freeze weren't enough to depress you, how about an increase in the number of cases of gastroenteritis?

The Queensway Carleton Hospital is cancelling surgeries due to an outbreak of a norovirus that has led to the isolation of 13 patients in two units.

Patients began vomiting and having diarrhea on Saturday, said Inez Landry, the hospital's director of infection prevention and control.

"We've confirmed a round virus on each unit," she said.

SICK SEVERAL DAYS

This virus isn't following its usual 24- to 48-hour course. Patients are sick for several days.

"We have people going into their third and fourth days. But they're not as sick," Landry said.

The patients showing symptoms are being isolated in a quad together. Several staff members have also fallen ill, Landry said.

The hospital has a very busy emergency room and a short supply of beds, so staff have been putting patients in surgical beds. The hospital is cancelling operations for patients who would need to recuperate in a hospital bed.

Elaine Clark is one of those people.

She was scheduled to have a long-awaited colostomy reversal yesterday morning.

"I am anxious. I've been a hermit for a year," she said.

"I am glad they cancelled it though, I don't want to get that, especially with this type of surgery," she said. "I just hope there are no OC Transpo drivers in there taking my space."

The Ottawa Hospital has isolated patients with symptoms of the Norwalk virus at the General and the Civic campuses. Staff have closed one unit to admissions, a spokeswoman said.

They're asking people with symptoms to not visit patients.

"We're seeing a number of gastro patients at emerg and some have been admitted, but Norwalk has not been identified as an issue at this stage," the spokeswoman said.

Dr. Nadine Sicard, the city's associate medical officer of health, said health officials are seeing an increased number of norovirus cases for this time of year, but it is still within the normal range.

She said some antibacterial hand gels don't kill the virus, so washing your hands thoroughly with soap and hot water is the best defence.

[center]Norovirus News[/center]

Winter bug starts to clear up in North Wales hospitals
Jan 15 2009 by Hywel Trewyn, Daily Post

THE NUMBER of patients suffering with the norovirus diarrhoea and vomiting bug has reduced from 96 to 12 at Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

But hospitals across North Wales are also facing a unprecedented demand for beds due to winter flu.

The number of norovirus patients at the Maelor reached 96 last week, but was down to 12 yesterday

Hospital spokesman Andy Scotson said: “We’re certainly very busy but the situation with norovirus has improved.”

Other North Wales hospitals got off relatively lightly. There have been no restrictions at Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor, or at the community hospitals.

Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, Bodelwyddan, and Conwy and Denbighshire NHS Trust community hospitals were only mildly affected by the norovirus.

However demand for medical attention and beds at Bangor and Ysbyty Bronglais, Aberystwyth reached “unprecedented” levels because of winter flu virus.

A spokeswoman for Ysbyty Bronglais said: “The cold snap has seen an exceptionally high number of admissions to beds inside the hospital as well as an increase in patients attending the A&E Department.

“There is additional pressure due to viral gastroenteritis (a winter vomiting and diarrhoea bug) in Ceredigion, which is affecting Bronglais.

“Currently, eight patients have these symptoms, with some showing signs of improvement.”

She said there was a small number of staff off sick, but arrangements were in place to cover for them.