Norovirus is one of the ‘mantra’s’ used by the Travel Industry when illness breaks out in holiday hotels or cruise ships.  HolidayTravelWatch notes that many holidaymakers are confused by such statements – the simple rule is DO NOT accept such bland statements, only proper medical diagnosis can confirm such an illness – always ensure you get independent medical advices, if possible, contact your GP in the UK! 

General Information on Norovirus or Norwalk Virus:

Three outbreaks of gastroenteritis occurred on two Caribbean cruise ships between April 26, and May 10, 1986. More than 1,200 persons developed gastrointestinal illness; no deaths were reported.  At least one of the outbreaks appeared to be associated with Norwalk virus.

One of the reasons Norwalk is so common is the extended time an infected person can infect others. If you were sick with a Norwalk virus for a few days but then felt better, you probably were still infectious. You can give Norwalk to others for up to a week after your own symptoms disappear.

Because the disease is easy to pass not only when you feel ill but even after you feel better, Norwalk viruses can often run uncontrolled through groups of people. The Centre for Disease Control reports that 55,000 people at a major hotel got sick from the Norwalk virus being passed around over 34 days. In another large outbreak in Minnesota in 1982, one ill bakery worker was linked to an estimated 3,000 cases of gastroenteritis.

Nature has created an ingenious bug in Norwalk. The round blue ball actually is a protein surrounding the virus’s genetic material. The virus attaches to the outside of cells lining your intestine. Then it transfers its genetic material into that cell. There it reproduces, finally killing the human cell to release new copies of itself that attach to more cells of your intestine’s for a week after your symptoms are gone.

When enough is known about how the virus works, scientists may be able to develop a vaccine to prevent its spread. Multiple vaccinations may be necessary, like annual flu vaccinations, since there are many forms of Norwalk just as there are many forms of the flu. Until then, the best preventive measure is careful hygiene. If you think you might have had such a virus, consider yourself able to communicate the disease.

This virus is considered to be a transformer. It transforms itself into an enemy that infiltrates your stomach and intestinal cells, causing vomiting and diarrhoea.  Norwalk can be spread by contaminated food, water or from person to person.  The viruses are passed in the stool of infected persons.  People get infected by swallowing stool-contaminated food or water.  Outbreaks are often linked to raw oysters.  Infected people usually recover in 2 to 3 days without serious or long-term health effects.

To prevent Norwalk virus infection:

1. Wash hands with soap and warm water after toilet visits and before preparing or eating food;
2. Cook all shellfish thoroughly before eating;
3. Wash raw vegetables before eating;
4. Dispose of sewage in a sanitary manner

Summary on Norovirus or Norwalk Virus:

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?

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 classified as members of the calicivirus family.

Where is Norwalk virus found?

Norwalk and Norwalk-like viruses are found worldwide. Humans are the only known hosts. The viruses are passed in the stool of 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. Contaminated 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

What are the signs and symptoms of Norwalk virus infection?

1. Nausea;
2. Vomiting;
3. Diarrhoea;
4. Stomach cramps;
5. Severe illness or hospitalisation is uncommon;
6. Infected persons usually recover in 2 to 3 days without serious or long-term health effects.

How soon after exposure do symptoms appear?

Symptoms usually appear in 1 to 2 days after swallowing contaminated food or water.

How is Norwalk virus infection diagnosed?

Laboratory diagnosis is difficult. Diagnosis is often based on the combination of symptoms and the short time of illness.

What is the treatment for Norwalk virus infection?

No specific treatment is available. Persons who are severely dehydrated might need rehydration therapy.

How common is Norwalk virus infection?

Since no routine diagnostic test is available, the true prevalence is not known. Norwalk and Norwalk-like viruses have been linked to outbreaks of intestinal illness on cruise ships and in communities, camps, schools, institutions, and families. Many oyster-related outbreaks of intestinal illness linked to Norwalk-like viruses have been reported in Louisiana, Florida, Maryland, and other states where oyster harvesting is common. In 1993, 73 people in Louisiana and about 130 others in the United States who ate oysters from Louisiana became ill. A malfunctioning sewage system was the cause of an outbreak in 1996. An outbreak in 1997 was linked to sewage from oyster-harvesting boats.

How can Norwalk virus be prevented?

1. Wash hands with soap and warm water after toilet visits and before preparing or eating food;
2. Cook all shellfish thoroughly before eating;
3. Wash raw vegetables before eating
4. Dispose of sewage in a sanitary manner;
5. Food handlers with symptoms of Norwalk-like illness should not prepare or touch food
6. Water is the most common source of outbreaks and may include water from municipal supplies, well, recreational lakes, swimming pools, and water stored aboard cruise ships.

It is very important that if when you return to the UK, you are suffering with any diarrhoeal illness, that you seek urgent medical attention.  It is also very important that you do not compromise any potential claim that you may have and we would also suggest that you contact us for further assistance.

Tags: Norovirus, Norwalk Virus

This entry was posted on Sunday, May 17th, 2009 at 8:18 pm and is filed under Holiday Illness and Infection. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.