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Norwalk-like virus strikes hospital - visitors restricted

Sault Area Hospital has imposed major restrictions on visitors today after experiencing an outbreak of a Norwalk-like virus.
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Sault Area Hospital has imposed major restrictions on visitors today after experiencing an outbreak of a Norwalk-like virus.

The 200-Y area of the General site and the Nursing Home at the Plummer site are closed to visitors as staff try to prevent cross contamination between patients and with other areas of the hospital.

In other areas of the two sites, only one visitor at a time is allowed for each patient, and all hospital visitors must wash their hands when entering and leaving the buildings.

The following is the full text of a news release issued this morning:

****************************************************************** SAH restricts patient visitation

January 7, 2003 - SAH has seen a dramatic increase in the number of patients who have experienced nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps. The organism responsible for the symptoms has not yet been confirmed. Norwalk cannot be confirmed or ruled out until the tests are completed.

Effective immediately, there will be no visitors allowed on 200Y at the General site and the Nursing Home at the Plummer site. The hospital is attempting to contain any cross contamination between areas of the hospital and between patients on these floors.

As well SAH will allow only one visitor at a time per patient at both sites. Individuals are urged to use discretion when visiting the hospital. All patient visitation will be limited. Visitors who are experiencing nausea, vomiting or diarrhea or flu-like symptoms which are respiratory or cold-like symptoms are discouraged from visiting.

The annual flu vaccine is not effective against Norwalk or gastrointestinal symptoms. Influenza is a respiratory illness not a gastrointestinal illness.

Visitors who come to the hospital are required to wash their hands when entering and leaving the hospital. A waterless hand wash solution will be provided throughout the hospital at entrances and at elevator access. This is the best way to prevent the spread of the organism.

Sault Area Hospital will provide an update in 48 hours.

************************************************************** Additional information from SooToday's files

Norwalk Virus Infection - Algoma Health Unit Fact Sheet

- Norwalk virus infection is an intestinal illness that often occurs in outbreaks

- Norwalk and Norwalk-like viruses are increasingly being recognized as leading causes of foodborne disease in the United States

- The viruses are passed in the stool of infected persons. People get infected by swallowing stool-contaminated food or water. Outbreaks in the United States are often linked to raw oysters.

- Infected people usually recover in two to three days without serious or long-term health effects

To prevent Norwalk virus infection:

- wash hands with soap and warm water after toilet visits and before preparing or eating food

- cook all shellfish thoroughly before eating

- wash raw vegetables before eating

- dispose of sewage in a sanitary manner

What is Norwalk virus infection?

Norwalk virus infection is an intestinal illness that often occurs in outbreaks.

What is the infectious agent that causes Norwalk virus infection?

Norwalk virus infection is caused by the Norwalk virus. The virus was first identified in 1972 after an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness in Norwalk, Ohio. Later, other viruses with similar features were described and called Norwalk-like viruses. These have since been classifed as members of the calcivirus family.

Where is Norwalk virus found?

Norwalk and Noralk-like viruses are found worldwide. Humans are the only known hosts. The viruses are passed in the stool in infected persons.

How do people get Norwalk virus infection?

People get Norwalk virus infection by swallowing food or water that has been contaminated with stool from an infected person. Outbreaks in the United States are often linked to eating raw shellfish, especially oysters and clams. Shellfish become contaminated via stool from sick food handlers or from raw sewage dumped overboard by recreational and/or commercial boaters. Contaiminated water, ice, eggs, salad ingredients, and ready-to-eat foods are other sources of infection.

Who is at risk for Norwalk virus infection?

Anyone can get Norwalk virus infection, but it may be more common in adults and older children.

******************************************************************** Learn more about Norwalk virus

The following collection of authoritative sources about Norwalk virus has been compiled by SooToday News. We've arranged the links as a "learning curve," with the easy-to-understand sources at the beginning, progressing to detailed sources for health-care providers and other professionals.

Ohio State University Ontario Ministry of Health Centres for Disease Control Peel Region - Public Health U.S. Food and Drug Administration Bad Bug Book Mount Sinai Hospital - Department of Microbiology Health Canada - Office of Laboratory Security


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David Helwig

About the Author: David Helwig

David Helwig's journalism career spans seven decades beginning in the 1960s. His work has been recognized with national and international awards.
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