Potential for Norovirus encourages agency coordination and lots of handwashing
May 23, 2005
Monday
With many cruise ships expected in Ketchikan and other Alaska communities throughout the summer, as well as thousands of other tourists arriving in Alaska by plane and automobile, the potential is high that we will see cases of Norovirus and other infectious diseases this summer according to the Alaska Department of Health & Social Services. Norovirus may be found at low levels throughout the year in some communities, however, the massive movement of people during the summer season makes it more likely to see a sudden outbreak.
The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Public Health, is coordinating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other local, state and federal agencies to help ensure our communities are safe and healthy.
State Public Health Nurses are available in most communities to advise local business owners and tourism industry workers on the proper precautions to take to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases like Norovirus. The state also coordinates with the U.S. Coast Guard, the State Emergency Coordination Center, Alaska State Troopers, in addition to local health care facilities and emergency workers in case additional assistance is needed caring for or transporting sick individuals to health care facilities.
“Good hand washing is the most important step for every individual to protect against Norovirus and other infectious diseases,” said DHSS Public Health Director Richard Mandsager, M.D. “I encourage every individual to wash hands regularly and frequently. We want tourists to enjoy their visit to Alaska.”
Noroviruses are a group of viruses that cause the “stomach flu,” or gastroenteritis. Norovirus is a common cause of gastrointestinal illness worldwide. The most common symptoms are nausea with vomiting, diarrhea, and cramps. These symptoms occur in all age groups although diarrhea is more common among adults and vomiting is more common in children. Many persons also experience headache, fever, chills and muscle aches. The symptoms may appear from 12-72 hours after exposure to the virus, but usually within 24 to 48 hours.
Noroviruses are predominately spread from person-to-person and some medical reports suggest that the virus can spread through the air during vomiting. Noroviruses are also spread easily by eating food or drinking water contaminated with feces from an infected person. Less common food-associated outbreaks have been linked to cold prepared, ready to eat foods (e.g., salads, coleslaw, sandwiches) and shellfish harvested in contaminated water. Some outbreaks have also been associated with drinking water and recreational water (e.g., swimming ponds, and beaches).
There is no treatment for Norovirus. Most people recover in two to three days after they become ill. Supportive treatment to prevent dehydration may be needed in severe cases.
Thorough hand washing following toilet use and prior to handling food is the best way to prevent the spread of these viruses. Persons currently ill with diarrhea or vomiting should not handle food, work in day care centers or care for patients in a health care facility until these symptoms have stopped.
“Alaskans like to travel, too, and when they become tourists in other places, they should protect themselves and their hosts by using good handwashing precautions,” said Mandsager.