To the United States, the health officials of the city of New York reported in early January 2020 an increase in infections with Norovirus with outbreaks seen in gathering places such as schools, child care programs and assisted living facilities.
In December 2019, the New York City Health Department received 353 reports of Norovirus in New York City residents, more than double the number of reports received in November 2019. Officials remind healthcare professionals, patients and staff to wash their hands often with lukewarm water and soap, especially when caring for a sick person, before touching or eating food, and after using the rest room.
Reminders on Norovirus
The Norovirus, virus of the family Caliciviridae and like Norovirus, are the main cause of acute gastroenteritis (in about 20% of cases). Genre Norovirus comprises 5 genogroups among which genogroups I, II and IV concern humans.
According to experts, these outbreaks are generally related to a concentration of people confined to a small area, insufficient hand washing and the hygienic conditions of the buffet meals.
Man is the reservoir of Norovirus humans. These viruses persist in the external environment and are resistant to purification treatments, whether physical or chemical. The environment will be contaminated by human waste.
Gastroenteritis Norovirus causes vomiting, diarrhea and fever; symptoms can last up to three days.
In general, travelers are reminded that they can reduce the risk of gastroenteritis by following simple precautions:
- wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before any food intake or after using the toilet;
- avoid the use of collective towels;
- eat only cooked food that is still hot. Avoid eating foods served at room temperature;
- avoid the consumption of fish, shellfish, or seafood other than well cooked or fried;
- peel carefully, otherwise cook or disinfect fruits and vegetables;
- avoid dairy products and unpasteurized fruit juices;
- drink only bottled mineral water or treated water (by chlorination, by sodium troclosene or by boiling);
- carbonated beverages in unopened sealed bottles or commercial cans and beverages made from boiled water served very hot such as coffee and tea are generally safe;
- do not consume ice cubes, ice cream or sorbets in public sale.
Man is the reservoir of Norovirus humans. These viruses persist in the external environment and are resistant to purification treatments, whether physical or chemical. The environment will be contaminated by human waste.
The Norovirus, present in the discharges, can contaminate water as well as various foods. All forms of food can be involved: drinking or distribution water, shellfish or other animal or vegetable food, raw or unprocessed food, products consumed as is or used as ingredients in an elaborate product (oysters, salads, fruits or derived products such as ice cream or coulis, sandwiches, etc.). Epidemics are characterized by their sudden onset and rapid resolution. Currently the Norovirus most often involved is a strain of genogroup II and genotype 4. New strains of Norovirus appear about every 2 to 4 years.
Source : Outbreak News Today.
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