During the last few weeks norovirus has really been on a rampage. It is estimated that in Britain over a million people have been ill with it already during this winter. The outbreak has been earlier and larger than usual for this time of the year. The same pattern has occurred in Europe and Japan.
In the United States more than 400 people on two cruise ships were taken ill last week, with norovirus being the main suspect. Cruise ships are common places for large outbreaks (not a great vacation!). So are nursing homes, schools, and hospitals. In Europe several hospital wards and nursing care homes have been forced to close to try to stop this virus spreading.
Of the over 400 posts on this blog, at least 21 deal with norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships, catered events, and even on a plane. Take a look. The post "Norovirus on a Plane" of February 28, 2011 gives some basic rules on how to avoid the virus, which can be adapted to other places as well. So does the post "How to Stay Healthy on a Cruise."
This virus may not be as deadly (usually) as some others, but believe me, it is pretty unpleasant. Symptoms include a sudden onset of vomiting - which can be projectile, and bad diarrhea. Some people also suffer fevers, headaches and stomach cramps.
Don't get it!
To your good health,
TSF
1 comment:
We have had some SERIOUSLY AWFUL stomach stuff going around Atlanta, and most of my friends who are also educators around the country have picked it up, too. It isn't confirmed to be norovirus, but I wouldn't be surprised at ALL to find out it was. Thank goodness for promethazine!
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