[k6arc] Fwd: Norovirus Outbreak in Amador County

[Bill Goff]

It comes from a reliable source.

> Subject: Norovirus Outbreak in Amador County
> 
> Please send to people who may need to know.
>  
>  
> 
> RELEASE FROM AMADOR PUBLIC HEALTH: Norovirus Outbreak in Amador County
> 
> by Carol Harper on Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at 5:13pm
> Norovirus Outbreak in Amador County
> 
> A significant increase in acute nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea is being reported County-wide.
> 
> Norovirus (a disease most commonly associated with cruise ship outbreaks) has been reported by
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> private physicians, emergency rooms and local facilities in several individuals. Staff from Public
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> Health and Environmental Health have investigated and provided direction and
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> recommendations to facilities and establishments in the County that have been associated with
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> multiple reports of illness.
> 
> This illness is spread by eating food or drinking liquids infected with norovirus or by touching
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> contaminated surfaces. Outbreaks can happen to people of all ages and in a variety of settings.
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> Norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne-disease outbreaks in the United States.
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> Symptoms of norovirus infection usually include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach
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> cramps. Other, less common symptoms may include low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle
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> aches, and general sense of fatigue.
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> Though most individuals do not require medical attention and begin recovery within 1 to 2 days,
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> norovirus illness can be serious in young children, the elderly, and people with other health
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> conditions. Dehydration is a key concern. Symptoms of dehydration include a decrease in
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> urination, a dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when standing up. If you think you or
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> someone you are caring for is severely dehydrated, contact your doctor’s office.
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> In order to prevent the spread of norovirus wash your hands carefully with soap and warm water
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> for 15 seconds, especially after using the toilet and always before eating or preparing food.
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> Since a relatively small number of virus particles are capable of causing infection it is especially
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> important to wash as thoroughly as possible. If soap and water aren't available, use an alcoholbased
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> hand sanitizer. These alcohol-based products can quickly reduce the number of germs on
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> hands in some situations, but they are not a substitute for washing with soap and water.
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> Food service workers who are experiencing these symptoms, as with any illness, should stay
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> home, should not engage in food preparation or service while they are ill and should be
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> especially diligent about handwashing after they are return to work.
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> For additional information, please contact Amador County Environmental Health at 223-6439.
> 
> --
> 
> Cathy Koos Breazeal
> Executive Director
> Amador Fire Safe Council
> 209-295-6200
> www.amadorfiresafe.org
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>  
> 
> 
> 
> --
> Cathy Koos Breazeal
> Executive Director
> Amador Fire Safe Council
> 209-295-6200
> www.amadorfiresafe.org
>  
>  

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