Yourlawyer.com (Norovirus News)

Few School Cafeterias Inspected

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

We’ve been following the issue of meats being supplied to this country’s school lunch program that are not always as actively tested for food borne pathogens as some meat used in fast food restaurants. We’ve also been following stories involving outbreaks of Norovirus in schools, most recently an outbreak that sickened hundreds in a Staten Island school over the past week.

Now, USA Today is reporting that school cafeterias are not being vigilantly inspected and people are falling ill as a result, specifically from Norovirus. Norovirus, a group of viruses that cause gastroenteritis are not helped with antibiotics. People become infected by eating food or drinking liquids contaminated with Norovirus; touching surfaces or objects contaminated with Norovirus, and then placing their hand in their mouth; and having direct contact with another person who is infected and showing symptoms. People may feel very sick and vomit many times a day. Sometimes people are unable to drink enough liquids to replenish the liquids lost due to vomiting and diarrhea and can become dehydrated and require special medical attention. Norovirus, which can survive for weeks on surfaces at room temperature, can be difficult to eliminate, and can only be killed with chorine bleach. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers and other preparations are not too helpful.

According to USA Today’s investigation, no food borne sickness is involved with improper food handling as often as Norovirus, causing no less than one-third—7,500—of all of the school-reported food borne illnesses, some 23,000, citing U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data from 1998 through 2007.

USA Today also noted that despite that many Norovirus outbreaks originate in cafeterias, over 8,500 schools never had their kitchens inspected in 2008 and 18,000 did not meet mandates—part of the National School Lunch Program—under the Child Nutrition Act which requires such inspections occur twice yearly. One such mandate requires the wearing of gloves when preparing school lunches.

USA Today’s investigation revealed, among other issues, broad inexperience among food preparers, that most Norovirus infections originate with food handlers, rampant inappropriate cleaning practices, and situations in which meat products were undercooked. "We had some stunning evidence of terrible sanitary conditions in school cafeterias across America, said Senator Dick Durbin (Democrat-Illinois), quoted USA Today. "Kids were at risk," Durbin added.

Oysters May Be Tied To Norovirus Outbreak

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is advising consumers to avoid eating oysters harvested from the San Antonio Bay on or after November 16 due to reports of norovirus-associated illnesses in some people who had consumed oysters harvested from this area, which is located on the Gulf of Texas.

Norovirus, a group of viruses that cause gastroenteritis are not helped with antibiotics. People become infected by eating food or drinking liquids contaminated with norovirus; touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus, and then placing their hand in their mouth; and having direct contact with another person who is infected and showing symptoms. People may feel very sick and vomit many times a day. Sometimes people are unable to drink enough liquids to replenish the liquids lost due to vomiting and diarrhea and can become dehydrated and require special medical attention.

The FDA, along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the states of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas, are investigating about a dozen reports of norovirus-related illnesses from South Carolina and North Carolina consumers who ate oysters recently harvested from the San Antonio Bay.

The FDA is urging consumers who purchased oysters on or after November 16 that have a label showing they came from San Antonio Bay are advised to dispose of the oysters and not eat them. At restaurants, consumers can ask about the source of oysters offered as menu items. Restaurant operators and retailers should not serve or offer for sale oysters subject to this advisory. Restaurant operators and retailers who are unsure of the source of oysters on hand should check with their suppliers to determine from where the oysters were harvested. No other seafood is affected by this advisory.

The Texas Department of State Health Services has ordered a recall of all oysters harvested from the San Antonio Bay between November 16 and 25.

Consumers who ate oyster products on or after November 16 and have experienced symptoms of norovirus are encouraged to contact their health care provider and local health department. The implicated oyster beds in the San Antonio Bay were closed by the Texas Department of Health Services on November 26, 2009, and remain closed.

The FDA and CDC will continue working with health officials in the affected states to track any additional cases of norovirus illness.

Persons with weakened immune systems, including those affected by AIDS, and persons with chronic alcohol abuse, liver, stomach or blood disorders, cancer, diabetes, or kidney disease should avoid raw oyster consumption altogether, regardless of where the oysters are harvested.

Norovirus, which can survive for weeks on surfaces at room temperature, can be difficult to eliminate, and can only be killed with chorine bleach. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers and other preparations are not too helpful. Norovirus outbreaks occur frequently in closed populations.

Cruise Ship Norovirus Study Points Finger at Dirty Public Bathrooms

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

A norovirus outbreak has ruined more than one cruise vacation. Now a new study suggests that keeping public restrooms on cruse ships clean could go a long way in preventing norovirus among passengers and crew.

Unfortunately, the study, which was published in the journal "Clinical Infections Diseases" found that public bathrooms on cruise ships are not being cleaned properly. What's more, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which runs a cruise ship sanitation program, is not doing a very good job of detecting the dirty cruise ship bathrooms.

The study used trained health care professionals to covertly evaluate the "Thoroughness of Disinfection Cleaning" of 6 standardized objects (toilet seat, flush handle or button, toilet stall inner handhold, stall inner door handle, restroom inner door handle, and baby changing table surfaces) with high potential for fecal contamination in cruise ship public restrooms. To do this, the investigators used an easily removable solution visible only under ultraviolet light to mark the objects. Then they monitored them for five to seven days to see if the solution had been removed by cleaning or disinfecting.

Over the course of the study, the investigative team evaluated 56 cruise ships (less than 30 percent of the vessels operated by 9 large cruise lines) from July 2005 through August 2008. There were 19 outbreaks of intestinal illness during the 3-year study period. While 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 investigators found that 37 percent of 8,344 objects in 273 randomly selected cruise ship public restrooms were cleaned daily. The "Thoroughness of Disinfection Cleaning" did not differ by cruise line and did not correlate with the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program inspection scores.

According to the study, more than half the cruise ships had overall "Thoroughness of Disinfection Cleaning" scores under 30 percent, although several of these low-scoring ships had near-perfect CDC sanitation scores. The mean "Thoroughness of Disinfection Cleaning" score of the three ships evaluated within four months of an norovirus outbreak (10.3%) was substantially less than the mean "Thoroughness of Disinfection Cleaning" score of the 40 ships that did not experience such an outbreak (40.4).

Norovirus, which can survive for weeks on surfaces at room temperature, can be difficult to eliminate, and can only be killed with chorine bleach. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers and other preparations are not too helpful.

Norovirus outbreaks occur frequently in closed populations, such as cruise ship passengers According to The New York Times, there have been more than 60 outbreaks of norovirus on cruise ships since 2005.

Norovirus Shuts Down Massachusetts' Babson College

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Babson College in Wellesley, near Boston, Massachusetts, is closing until at least Wednesday following what is believed to be a norovirus outbreak there. NBC News reported that about 100 students and staff fell ill with severe nausea and vomiting and the Examiner reported that some students have been hospitalized with dehydration.

Tom Lyons, a spokesman for the State Department of Health in Massachusetts, described the norovirus as being "miserable," but not life-threatening, explaining that most people recover after a few days, reported NBC News. Babson College has about 3,400 under-graduate and graduate students, all are permitted to remain in their dorms; however, classes and athletic events have been canceled while campus buildings are cleaned and sanitized, said NBC News. Dorm students have been supplied with disinfectants, said the Examiner, so that they can sanitize their rooms and lavatories.

Norovirus is often spread by food handling; however, said NBC, Lyons said health inspectors in Wellesley do not believe food is involved in this case.

Boston News 7 said that the Health Department and Babson college administrators have asked students to remain on campus so that the virus does not spread into the community and noted that the Department of Public Health issued a health advisory last month about the increase in gastrointestinal illnesses across Massachusetts. “No one is going to be allowed in. Also, they want the students who are there to stay there, so they can contain the process of transmission,” said Marcia Testa-Simonson, of the Wellesley Board of Health, quoted EFluxMedia. NBC News reported that students were urged to avoid group activities to minimize the outbreak’s reach.

The Examiner reported that, based on a separate report, norovirus might have entered Boston, quoting Dr. Alfred DeMaria, state epidemiologist, this “can really spread like wildfire. [It's] really impossible to find the source.”

The norovirus can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach cramping, fever, headaches, chills, muscle ache, tiredness, and diarrhea; in general, children experience more vomiting than adults. The norovirus strikes quickly, but generally only lasts for one or two days, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia.

Sometimes people also develop a low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and a general sense of tiredness. The illness often begins suddenly, and the infected person may feel very sick. There is no cure for the norovirus and patients sometimes need to be given fluids intravenously to combat the dehydration caused by frequent vomiting and diarrhea.

Norovirus is not one, but actually a group of viruses that are found in the stool or vomit of infected people. Norovirus spreads easily and quickly with people becoming infected when eating food or drinking liquids contaminated with norovirus; touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus, and then placing their hand in their mouth; or having direct contact with another person infected and showing symptoms, for example, when caring for someone with illness, or sharing foods or eating utensils with someone who is ill, warns the CDC.

Mississippi Area Oysters Recalled Over Norovirus Illness

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Oysters recently harvested from Mississippi Area 2C might be linked to about one dozen norovirus illnesses, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is reporting. The FDA is advising food service operators and retailers not to offer oysters harvested between February 23 and March 17, 2009 that were harvested from this area for sale; consumers are advised not to each such oysters.

Mississippi Area 2C is located in the Mississippi Sound portion of the Gulf of Mexico near Pass Christian, Mississippi. Those consumers who are uncertain about the origin of any oysters they currently have in their possession should contact the place of purchase to determine if the oysters originated from the affected area. Eleven individuals reported becoming sick after eating raw oysters at a restaurant in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Test results by the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department and Tennessee Department of Health confirmed that the patients were infected with norovirus.

The norovirus can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach cramping, fever, headaches, chills, muscle ache, tiredness, and diarrhea; in general, children experience more vomiting than adults. The norovirus strikes quickly, but generally only lasts for one or two days, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. Sometimes people also develop a low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and a general sense of tiredness. The illness often begins suddenly, and the infected person may feel very sick. There is no cure for the norovirus and patients sometimes need to be given fluids intravenously to combat the dehydration caused by frequent vomiting and diarrhea.

Norovirus is not one, but actually a group of viruses that are found in the stool or vomit of infected people. Norovirus spreads easily and quickly with people becoming infected when eating food or drinking liquids contaminated with norovirus; touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus, and then placing their hand in their mouth; or having direct contact with another person infected and showing symptoms, for example, when caring for someone with illness, or sharing foods or eating utensils with someone who is ill, warns the CDC.

The FDA is advising those with weakened immune systems, including patients affected by AIDS, chronic alcohol abuse, liver, stomach or blood disorders, cancer, diabetes, or kidney disease to avoid raw oyster consumption altogether, regardless of where the oysters are harvested.

Retailers and food service operators can check the tag or labeling that should accompany all raw molluscan shellfish, to verify its origin. Individuals who have eaten raw oysters harvested from the affected area during the specified dates and have experienced symptoms of norovirus infection are encouraged to contact their healthcare provider and their local health department.

The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources closed Area 2C to harvesting on March 17, 2009, to protect the public health. The FDA reported that it is working with the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources to investigate potential sources of pollution that may have caused the area to become contaminated, is testing oysters harvested from the area, and will continue to provide updates as this investigation unfolds.

Another Norovirus Outbreak

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Another norovirus outbreak has been confirmed. This time 24 people have fallen ill in Michigan after attending a private party at the Marshall Lanes bowling alley, says the Battle Creek Enquirer. Authorities expect the germ to spread among the group, Paul Makoski, environmental health program coordinator told the Battle Creek Enquirer. "It isn't too surprising because this is the season that it is on the rise."

According to Makoski, a norovirus outbreak occurs when more than two unrelated people become “infected by the same agent. Makoski noted that because norovirus looks and feels like a stomach flu, it is often unreported and pointed out that it can easily spread before symptoms appear, "What they don't realize is that they feel good, but they still are infecting other people," he told the Battle Creek Enquirer.

Food poisoning was ruled out as a possible cause following a health department investigation in which the bowling alley was found to not be responsible for the outbreak, said the Battle Creek Enquirer. "I got sick, too," Sue Hutchings, Marshall Lanes co-proprietor, said to the paper, adding, "I definitely feel awful about all the people getting ill at our business, but I'm glad the health department found it wasn't because of our food."

"You feel like you've been run over by a truck," Makoski told the Battle Creek Enquirer, noting that norovirus causes diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. The paper added that norovirus, which spreads through vomit and stool, contains “trillions of virus particules” with only 10 particles needed to cause illness. There is no vaccine for norovirus, the best defense is regular hand washing, especially before eating or after using the bathroom, Makoski told the Battle Creek Enquirer, adding that there is also no cure except to "tough it out, drink lots of wate,r and take care of the symptoms."

Norovirus is actually a group of viruses that cause the stomach flu, or gastroenteritis, in people; are not helped by treatment with antibiotics; and cannot grow outside of a person’s body. People can become infected with the virus by eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus; touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus, and then placing their hand in their mouth; and having direct contact with another person who is infected and showing symptoms (for example, when caring for someone with illness, or sharing foods or eating utensils with someone who is ill). Persons working in day-care centers or nursing homes should pay special attention to children or residents who have norovirus illness.

People may feel very sick and vomit many times a day, but most get better within one-to-two days, and suffer no long-term health effects; however, sometimes people are unable to drink enough liquids to replenish the liquids lost due to vomiting and diarrhea and can become dehydrated and require special medical attention. This typically occurs with the very young, the elderly, and persons with weakened immune systems. To decrease your chance of coming in contact with norovirus frequently wash your hands, especially after toilet visits and changing diapers and before eating or preparing food; carefully wash fruits and vegetables, and steam oysters before eating them; thoroughly clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces immediately after an episode of illness by using a bleach-based household cleaner; immediately remove and wash clothing or linens that may be contaminated with virus after an episode of illness (use hot water and soap); and flush or discard any vomitus and/or stool in the toilet and make sure that the surrounding area is kept clean.

Wisconsin Norovirus Spreading

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Huliq News is reporting that the University of Wisconsin Madison has issued information and tips to its students in the wake of the ongoing norovirus outbreak there. University Health Services (UHS) feels that the outbreak of gastroentiritis plaguing the college is likely from a strain of norovirus, says Huliq.

The Badger Herald is also reporting that while the current count of those who have fallen ill is at 63 cases within Sellery Hall—a dormitory building housing over 1,000 people—the norovirus has now spread to some of the fraternity houses and off-campus apartments. “There may be some scattered cases … in off-campus housing and a couple of other Lakeshore dorms,” said University Health Services spokesperson Mary Makarushka to The Badger, adding, “But there are no cases that are as clearly linked as the ones in Sellery.”

The norovirus can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach cramping, fever, headaches, chills, muscle ache, tiredness, and diarrhea. The norovirus strikes quickly, but generally only lasts for one or two days, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. Norovirus is not one, but actually a group of viruses, that spreads easily and swiftly through direct contact with an infected person or through contaminated food, drink, or objects.

University Health Services epidemiologist Craig Roberts created and implemented an online survey in response to the growing outbreak after another 60 students from the Delta Gamma Sorority and over 10 members from the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity reported “symptoms similar to norovirus,” said the Badger Herald. The survey has been sent to all “Greek” or fraternity and sorority members and all such members have been asked to complete the survey, said the Badger Herald which noted that Roberts will review and compile the confidential data. “He will be gathering that data, and it will give us more information on how widespread this outbreak was and how many of these cases fit the description of norovirus,” Makarushka was quoted as saying to the Badger Herald.

Norovirus “can be highly contagious in confined areas” noted the Badger Herald, adding that the disease is generally passed from some sort of feces-to-mouth contact. Such contact can occur with improper or absent hand-washing practices or when touching something touched by a contaminated person. “It’s just all about sanitation, the hand-washing, the cleanliness,” said Sarah Van Orman, executive director of UHS to the Badger Herald. “That’s really the only way to stop it, and it’s really important people just keep that in mind,” she added, according to the piece.

Georgetown University, the University of Southern California, the University of Arizona, and Hope College in Holland, Michigan are among the other colleges reporting norovirus outbreaks, the Badger Herald reported.

Huliq News passed on some tips from UHS on how to minimize the chances of contracting norovirus, such as washing “hands thoroughly with soap and water” several times daily and specifically after using the bathroom and prior to preparing food.

More Norovirus Reported at University of Wisconsin

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

WKOWTV.com is reporting that University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW) Health officials are confirming that the number of confirmed cases of on-campus norovirus has increased by three to a total of 48.

The norovirus can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach cramping, fever, headaches, chills, muscle ache, tiredness, and diarrhea. The norovirus strikes quickly, but generally only lasts for one or two days, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. Norovirus is not one, but actually a group of viruses, that spreads easily and swiftly through direct contact with an infected person or through contaminated food, drink, or objects.

Vomiting and diarrhea appeared as the most common symptoms in this outbreak, according to Craig Roberts, an epidemiologist for the college’s University Health Services speaking to The Badger Herald. Other common problems include nausea and headaches, the paper notes. Symptoms generally appear within 12 to 60 hours after exposure and last for about 48 hours; the norovirus is often mistaken for the flu because it causes acute gastroenteritis in humans, notes The Badger Herald. Meanwhile, WKOW says that UW officials continue to sanitize and speak to students about steps they can take to avoid contracting the norovirus; however, WKOW notes that, “students are concerned the norovirus could become more than a dorm problem.” Some students are avoiding Sellery Hall, the location in which the sicknesses seems to be concentrated, while others are concerned because sick students—in some cases—are attending classes, reports WKOW.

The article notes that health services at UW states that “UW greek (sic) system has requested information to help fraternities and sororities.” And, while dozens fell ill at one sorority house, WKOW, reports that these cases have not been confirmed as norovirus. There is some concern that exact numbers will never be collected as “health care providers are not required to track or report norovirus cases,” said WKOW, which quoted Amanda Kita-Yarbro, Dane County epidemiologist as saying, “The doctor might not even use that word when talking to the patient—norovirus—because they don't know for sure if they haven't done a stool sample …. Even if it was diagnosed it probably wouldn't be reported."

“A similar outbreak occurred in December 2006 and January 2007 throughout Madison, Wisconsin,” The Badger Herald revealed. In that outbreak, over “100 people contracted the norovirus at the Veterans Hospital, Monona Terrace, the Willows Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, and the Edgewater Hotel,” the paper confirmed. Also, WDIV-TV news in Mid-Michigan reports that Hope College in Michigan is recovering from an outbreak in which about 420 students, faculty, and staff fell ill since late last week. Last month we reported that the norovirus had sickened nearly 200 Georgetown University students; most were treated at hospitals. One student required hospital admission for observation.

There is no cure for the norovirus. Patients sometimes need to be given fluids intravenously to combat the dehydration caused by frequent vomiting and diarrhea. In the Georgetown outbreak, many students did require intravenous rehydration.

Norovirus at University of Wisconsin

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW) officials are reporting that at least 45 students who live in the same residence hall there “have reported falling ill with symptoms of gastroenteritis since November 7”, according to The Milwaukee-Wisconsin Journal Sentinel (JS Online). It seems that the illnesses may have been caused by a norovirus, said Mary Makarushka, communications manager at UW's University Health Services to JS Online. The students all live in Sellery Hall—one of UW’s largest residence halls, “which houses 1,100 students”—Makarushka said to the JS Online. “There are no plans to close the residence hall,” Makarushka was quoted as saying to JS Online. “Between 20 and 30 residents of Sellery 6A have been fighting the virus since Thursday,” reported The Badger Herald, which also picked up the story.

The norovirus can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach cramping, fever, headaches, chills, muscle ache, tiredness, and diarrhea. The norovirus strikes quickly, but generally only lasts for one or two days, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. Norovirus is not one, but actually a group of viruses, that spreads easily and swiftly through direct contact with an infected person or through contaminated food, drink, or objects.

Vomiting and diarrhea appeared as the most common symptoms in this outbreak, according to Craig Roberts, an epidemiologist for the college’s University Health Services speaking to The Badger Herald. Other common problems include nausea and headaches, the paper notes. Symptoms generally appear within 12 to 60 hours after exposure and last for about 48 hours; the norovirus is often mistaken for the flu because it causes acute gastroenteritis in humans, notes The Badger Herald.

The Badger Herald pointed out that Roberts noted that the norovirus spreads through stool-to-mouth contact. The norovirus enters the body through the mouth and is then passed on via the stool or vomit of an infected person, according to The Badger Herald. This can happen, for instance, when someone touches the hand of an infected person or by touching vomit- or feces-contaminated surfaces that have not been properly sanitized, the paper wrote. To avoid catching the disease, the Badger Herald stated, according to Roberts residents should “be overly cautious and wash their hands frequently,” adding, “It is very important to wash your hands after you use the bathroom and before you eat,” Roberts said. The virus can also be spread by fecally-contaminated food or water.

“A similar outbreak occurred in December 2006 and January 2007 throughout Madison, Wisconsin,” The Badger Herald revealed. In that outbreak, over “100 people contracted the norovirus at the Veterans Hospital, Monona Terrace, the Willows Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, and the Edgewater Hotel,” the paper confirmed. Also, WDIV-TV news in Mid-Michigan reports that Hope College in Michigan is currently recovering from an outbreak of the norovirus, in which about 420 students, faculty, and staff reported coming down with the virus since late last week.

Last month we reported that the norovirus had sickened nearly 200 Georgetown University students; most were treated at hospitals. One student required hospital admission for observation. In that outbreak, the campus dining hall was closed by college administrators when they were first alerted to the initial wave of sick students. The dining hall remained closed until it was fully sanitized.

There is no cure for the norovirus. Patients sometimes need to be given fluids intravenously to combat the dehydration caused by frequent vomiting and diarrhea. In the Georgetown outbreak, many students did require intravenous rehydration.

Norovirus Sickens Georgetown Students

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Over 170 Georgetown University students have recently fallen ill with the highly contagious norovirus and officials have been struggling to contain the virus and limit its spread. Students were nauseated, vomiting, and dehydrated, with most treated at hospitals. One student was admitted for observation.

The norovirus can cause stomach cramping, fever, headaches, and diarrhea, but the quick-onset illness typically lasts only a day or two, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The virus is self-limiting, said Pierre Vigilance, director of the D. C. Department of Health. "For most people, this is not a major problem." There are concerns, however, with the elderly, the very young, and the immune suppressed, he said.

Norovirus is not one, but actually a group of viruses, that spreads easily and swiftly through direct contact with an infected person or through contaminated food, drink, or objects. Georgetown President John J. DeGioia said school officials are cleaning high-contact areas such as bathrooms, doorknobs, and handrails and were also cleaning more intensively than usual across campus. Officials were also looking at who might have fallen ill by going through dorm rooms and speaking to students. Officials also held a forum yesterday afternoon to explain the situation to students, emphasizing the importance of prevention, particularly hand-washing and cleanliness. A hotline has been set up for parents. "Our job now is to continue to treat the sick and, most importantly, to prevent the spread of the illness," said James C. Welsh, assistant vice president for student health. "Hand-washing is going to be our mantra."

The campus dining hall was closed by college administrators before dawn Wednesday when administration was first alerted to the initial wave of sick students; it was reopened last night after being inspected and sanitized. Although many of the sick students had eaten there, public health officials continue to investigate the source of the virus. Vigilance said they are waiting for results from food samples and also said it appears that the norovirus was initially transmitted by a person, although it is possible it originated in the food chain. Aramark is the food contractor for the dining hall; an Aramark spokesman declined to comment last night.

There is no cure for the virus. Patients sometimes need to be given fluids intravenously to combat the dehydration caused by frequent vomiting and diarrhea. Many students received intravenous rehydration. Junior Kevin Wessel, who knows three people who fell ill sick, said he was concerned about the possibility he could become ill. "I'll definitely be washing my hands before I eat and taking all the precautions," he said.

Wessel said he has noticed lots of not-so-clean plates at the dining hall, "which never filled me with confidence about the overall cleanliness there." The school has done a good job of alerting students, he said, "even though it could make them look bad, instead of hiding it. We'll see what they do to prevent it, to keep us safe."

Chipotle Mexican Grill Offers to Foot the Bill for Ohio Food Poisoning Victims

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Early last week, over 400 people reported being stricken with food poisoning after eating at the Chipotle Mexican Grill in Kent, Colorado. The Chipotle restaurant chain's Denver corporate office has agreed to pay treatment costs for those who fell ill after eating at Chipotle recently. The last official tally released by local health officials April 21 reported 428 total cases. Chipotle officials say the suspected norovirus incident was contained to the Kent restaurant.

Food tests from Chipotle did not confirm the virus’ origin; however, investigators confirmed that norovirus is to blame. In a recent statement, Monty Moran, Chipotle president and COO, said Chipotle established a claims program and reimbursement process for medical expenses related to the norovirus outbreak. "Investigators have informed us that they believe that the illness was caused by a norovirus, not by anything in our food, equipment, or our food supply," Moran said. "We plan to assist people who believe their illness was caused by a visit to our restaurant with reimbursement of related health care expenses. Food safety is, and always has been, our highest priority."

The store closed voluntarily for about 24 hours to conduct a complete sanitation of the building's surfaces and during to recent inspections, no violation of food service regulations was found. Health officials conducted a symptom survey of the entire store's staff and no employee present during the outbreak will be allowed to return to work until they have obtained medical clearance.

Noroviruses are found in the stool or vomit of infected people and infection can occur by ingesting contaminated food or liquids; touching contaminated surfaces or objects; and having direct contact with an infected person. Noroviruses are very contagious and people are contagious the moment they begin feeling ill to at least three days after recovery, sometimes up to two weeks after recovery. Because there are many different norovirus strains, it is difficult for a person’s body to develop long-lasting immunity; norovirus illness can recur throughout a lifetime.

Noroviruses are related viruses that cause acute gastroenteritis and can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramping and may cause chills, headache, low-grade fever, muscle aches, and general malaise. The very young, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are most vulnerable. Symptoms usually occur within 12 to 48 hours from exposure. People may feel very sick and vomit many times a day, but most people get better within a couple of days and suffer no long-term health effects; however, some are unable to drink enough liquids to replace what they lost and can become dehydrated and require medical attention. Norovirus, like all viruses, cannot be treated with antibiotics.

Customers who ate at the restaurant between April 15 and 18 and who sought medical attention for symptoms consistent with norovirus can call Chipotle claims at 1-888-366-2150. The company will screen receipts and credit card charges from the period in which people first began reporting sick until the restaurant closed to eliminate people with illegitimate claims against the chain. Moran said the company continues to work with city, county and state health officials to determine the exact cause of the illness.

Starting Point for Chipotle Grill Norovirus a Mystery

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Early last week, over 450 people reported they were stricken with food poisoning after eating at the Chipotle Mexican Grill in Kent, Ohio. That city's health department sent food and biological samples from sick customers to the Ohio Department of Health in Columbus. Food tests from the Chipotle Mexican Grill did not confirm the virus’ origin; however, investigators confirmed they collected sufficient information to state that norovirus is to blame.

Last week, city Health Commissioner John Ferlito said that Ohio Department of Health tests of stool samples came back positive for norovirus. ''It was definitely a norovirus outbreak,'' Ferlito said Monday. ''It looks like people ingested it through the food. How it got into the food, I can't ascertain at this moment.'' Results of the food tests came up negative for fecal coliform, a bacteria often found in human waste, Ferlito said and Ohio Department of Health spokesman Kristopher Weiss said there is no specific test for norovirus in food.

But, he said, ''if we were to find fecal coliforms, it would be indicative of fecal contamination, which can lead to norovirus and other illnesses.'' Tests were negative for four other types of bacteria linked to gastrointestinal illnesses: Salmonella, staphyloenterotoxin, shigella, and E.coli. Ferlito said it remains unclear whether the food was contaminated in Kent or before it got to the restaurant.

Noroviruses are found in the stool or vomit of infected people and infection can occur by ingesting contaminated food or liquids; touching contaminated surfaces or objects; and having direct contact with an infected person. Noroviruses are very contagious and people are contagious the moment they begin feeling ill to at least three days after recovery, sometimes up to two weeks after recovery. Because there are many different norovirus strains, it is difficult for a person’s body to develop long-lasting immunity; norovirus illness can recur throughout a lifetime.

Noroviruses are a group of related viruses that cause acute gastroenteritis in humans and cause about half of all gastroenteritis worldwide. Noroviruses cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramping and may cause chills, headache, low-grade fever, muscle aches, and general malaise. The illness often begins suddenly and intensely and, in most cases, is self-limiting with symptoms lasting a couple of days. Children tend to vomit more than adults and the very young, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are most vulnerable. Symptoms usually occur within 12 to 48 hours from exposure. People may feel very sick and vomit many times a day, but most people get better within a couple of days and suffer no long-term health effects; however, some are unable to drink enough liquids to replace what they lost and can become dehydrated and require medical attention. Norovirus, like all viruses, cannot be treated with antibiotics.

Ferlito said no new cases were reported, but that some secondary cases among people who cared for the sick cropped up last week. Ferlito said ''it is a possibility'' that customers picked up the virus from a surface. However, he said, ''I can't believe 450 people came in contact with the same spot.''

Chipotle Mexican Grill Linked to Ohio Outbreak, Possibly Norovirus

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

As of late Monday, over 432 people reported they were stricken with food poisoning after eating at the Chipotle Mexican Grill in the City of Kent, across from the Kent State University campus in Ohio. Also, on Monday, that city's health department sent food and biological samples from the sick customers to the Ohio Department of Health in Columbus. As of yesterday, investigators confirmed that they collected enough information to lead them to believe that a norovirus is what is making people ill.

Noroviruses are a group of related viruses that cause acute gastroenteritis in humans; recent studies confirm that norovirus causes around half of all gastroenteritis worldwide. Norovirus infection causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramping. Other symptoms include chills, headache, low-grade fever, muscle aches, and a general sense of tiredness. The illness often begins suddenly and the infected person may feel very sick. In most cases, the illness is self-limiting with symptoms lasting for a couple of days. Children tend to vomit more than adults and very young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable. Symptoms usually occur within 12 to 48 hours from exposure. People may feel very sick and vomit many times a day, but most people get better within a couple of days and suffer no long-term health effects; however, some are unable to drink enough liquids to replace what they lost and can become dehydrated and require medical attention. Norovirus, like all viruses, cannot be treated with antibiotics.

It will be around five days before investigators confirm the cause of the illness; the origin could take longer, if it is ever discovered. City Health Commissioner John Ferlito said they are looking into many possibilities and according to the Portage County Health Department, those who fell ill ate at the Chipotle on State Route 59 in Kent between Tuesday April 15th and Friday April 18th. Complaints included severe vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and cramping. Some complained of low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and tiredness.

Athough the restaurant closed voluntarily, a Chipotle spokesman says there's no proof food was to blame and that the restaurant is working with the health department.

Noroviruses are found in the stool or vomit of infected people and people can become infected with the virus by eating food or drinking liquids contaminated with norovirus; touching contaminated surfaces or objects and placing their hand in their mouth; having direct contact with an infected person and showing symptoms (for example, when caring for someone with illness or sharing foods or eating utensils with someone who is ill). Noroviruses are very contagious and can spread easily from person to person. People are contagious from the moment they begin feeling ill to at least three days after recovery and some may be contagious for as long as two weeks after recovery. There are many different strains of norovirus, making it difficult for a person’s body to develop long-lasting immunity; therefore, norovirus illness can recur throughout a person’s lifetime.

Louisiana Oyster Warning Issued After Norovirus Outbreak

Mon, 31 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Some Louisiana oysters could cause norovirus. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers against eating oysters harvested from a part of West Karako Bay in Louisiana for possible contamination of the norovirus, also called Norwalk. The FDA said customers must avoid mussels harvested between December 3rd and December 21st from Growing Area Three of the bay. At least seven victims have been reported after eating oysters at a Tennessee restaurant; the mussels were harvested from West Karako Bay and shipped by Prestige Oyster Company of Theriot, Louisiana.

Noroviruses are a group of related viruses that cause acute gastroenteritis in humans; recent studies confirm that norovirus causes around half of all gastroenteritis worldwide. Norovirus infection causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramping. Other symptoms include chills, headache, low-grade fever, muscle aches, and a general sense of tiredness. The illness often begins suddenly and the infected person may feel very sick. In most cases, the illness is self-limiting with symptoms lasting for a couple of days. Children tend to vomit more than adults and very young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable. Symptoms usually occur within 12 to 48 hours from exposure. People may feel very sick and vomit many times a day, but most people get better within a couple of days and suffer no long-term health effects; however, some are unable to drink enough liquids to replace what they lost and can become dehydrated and require medical attention.

The FDA said cooking destroys the virus—eliminating the risk of illness—and recommended consumers cook the mussels thoroughly instead of eating them raw. They also advised consumers to discard oysters harvested from the identified area and within the specified period.

Noroviruses are found in the stool or vomit of infected people and people can become infected with the virus by eating food or drinking liquids contaminated with norovirus; touching contaminated surfaces or objects and placing their hand in their mouth; having direct contact with an infected person and showing symptoms (for example, when caring for someone with illness or sharing foods or eating utensils with someone who is ill). Persons working in day-care centers or nursing homes should pay special attention to children or residents who have norovirus illness. Noroviruses are very contagious and can spread easily from person to person. People are contagious from the moment they begin feeling ill to at least three days after recovery and some may be contagious for as long as two weeks after recovery.

There are many different strains of norovirus, making it difficult for a person’s body to develop long-lasting immunity; therefore, norovirus illness can recur throughout a person’s lifetime. Also, because of differences in genetic factors, some people are more likely to become infected and develop more severe illness than others. There is no antiviral medication that works against norovirus and there is no vaccine to prevent infection; norovirus infection cannot be treated with antibiotics, as this is a virus and not a bacteria and antibiotics work to fight bacteria, not viruses.

Norovirus suspected in nearly 25% of Sammamish school's students

Wed, 09 May 2007 00:00:00 -0400

Nearly a quarter of Elizabeth Blackwell Elementary School students in Sammamish were home sick on Tuesday, and county health officials suspect it could be a norovirus outbreak.

More than 120 of the school's 560 students were out sick, and 15 more were sent home during the day, said Kathryn Reith, spokeswoman for Lake Washington School District. Nine staff members were out sick Monday and eight had stayed home sick Tuesday. The district heard that some parents kept their children home as a precaution, Reith said.

No other schools in King County reported high numbers of ill students this week, but it's not uncommon to see waves of these kinds of illness move through schools and other institutions, said James Apa, spokesman for Public Health -- Seattle & King County.

The agency has not confirmed the cause through lab work, but based on reports from the school's nurse, the agency believes that norovirus is the likely culprit, Apa said.

Norovirus is a common virus that causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chills, fever and headache.

Most people recover within a day or two, although people who are infected are contagious from the moment they begin feeling ill until at least three days after symptoms end, according to Public Health information.

Nearby Margaret Mead Elementary, with more than 600 students, reported just over 10 percent of its students out sick on Monday. By Tuesday, all but about 20 students were back to school, Reith said.

Districts are required to notify the county's public-health agency if more than 10 percent of the student enrollment is out sick.

So far this year, Public Health has had 45 reports of norovirus outbreaks in institutions such as schools, nursing homes and hospitals throughout the county, Apa said.

Public Health also sees at least a handful of schools every year in which 20 percent or more of students stay home sick, Apa said.

In February, Bishop Blanchet High School in North Seattle voluntarily closed down after more than 300 of the Catholic school's 1,080 students called in sick, mostly with flu symptoms.

Blackwell Elementary, which teaches kindergarten through sixth grade, plans to be open today.

The school is reinforcing hygienic steps, such as asking students to frequently wash their hands, wipe down their desks and clean any frequently touched surfaces, said Nancy Johnson, health services supervisor for Lake Washington School District.

Adult helpers are also serving students at the school's salad bar during lunch. Normally, students help themselves, she said.

"It's very contagious," Johnson said. "There's an emphasis in hand-washing and sanitizing the environment. And stay home if you're ill."

Norovirus Contamination Lawsuits Illness, Outbreak, Exposure | Bacteria

Wed, 09 May 2007 00:00:00 -0400

Norovirus Contamination Lawsuits

Norovirus | Lawsuits, Lawyers | Food Poisoning: Illness, Outbreak, Exposure | Bacteria, Contamination

A Norovirus is a group of viruses that cause the stomach flu, or gastroenteritis in people. The term norovirus was recently approved as the official name for this group of viruses. Several other names have been used for noroviruses, including: Norwalk-like viruses (NLVs), Caliciviruses (because they belong to the virus family Caliciviridae), and small round structured viruses. Noroviruses are not affected by treatment with antibiotics, and cannot grow outside of a person’s body.

Causes

Noroviruses are found in the stool or vomit of infected people. People can become infected with the virus in several ways, including:

Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus
Touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus, and then placing their hand in their mouth
Having direct contact with another person who is infected and showing symptoms (for example, when caring for someone with illness, or sharing foods or eating utensils with someone who is ill).

Persons working in day-care centers or nursing homes should pay special attention to children or residents who have norovirus illness. This virus is very contagious and can spread rapidly throughout such environments.

Symptoms

People may feel very sick and vomit many times a day, but most people get better within 1 or 2 days, and they have no long-term health effects related to the illness. However, sometimes people are unable to drink enough liquids to replenish the liquids they lost because of vomiting and diarrhea. These individuals can become dehydrated and may need special medical attention. This problem with dehydration is usually only seen among the very young, the elderly, and persons with weakened immune systems. Noroviruses are very contagious and can spread easily from person to person. Both stool and vomit are infectious. Particular care should be taken with young children in diapers who may have diarrhea.

Prevention

To decrease your chance of coming in contact with noroviruses by following these preventive steps:
Frequently wash your hands, especially after toilet visits and changing diapers and before eating or preparing food.
Carefully wash fruits and vegetables, and steam oysters before eating them.
Thoroughly clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces immediately after an episode of illness by using a bleach-based household cleaner.
Immediately remove and wash clothing or linens that may be contaminated with virus after an episode of illness (use hot water and soap).
Flush or discard any vomitus and/or stool in the toilet and make sure that the surrounding area is kept clean.

Legal Help For Victims Affected By Norovirus

If you or a loved one developed a Norovirus as a result of eating contaminated foods or liquids and you developed serious health ailments, you may be entitled to compensation, please fill out the form at the right for a free case evaluation or call us at 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636).