Norovirus / Tummy Bug update 27 April 2013: Scottish hospital worst case! Dogs going down!

Westchester County, New York U.S.A., reporting at least 100 people got sick at a weekend fundraising event at the Rye Brook hotel.  County health officials say there could be more cases.

In New Hampshire U.S.A., a second test confirmed that the Pembroke Academy drama club got sick from norovirus.  The drama club said they got sick after eating a take out order from Olive Garden.

Saint Clair County, Michigan U.S.A., reporting outbreaks.  County officials say at least five long-term care facilities, hospital facilities and schools were hit with norovirus.

In Montana U.S.A., state Department of Health and Human Services officials reporting a spike in cases.   At least 20 outbreaks affecting 500 people have hit the sparsely populated Big Sky Treasure state, since the beginning of the year.  Officials say that’s twice the normal yearly cases.

In Dorset, England U.K., the Poole Hospital ended its visitor restrictions. Hospital officials restricted visitation early this month, blaming it on norovirus cases not only in the hospital but in the local community as well.

In Edinburgh, Scotland U.K., the Liberton Hospital is still under restrictions after nearly two months.  At least 321 patients have become sick with norovirus. Hospital officials say it’s the worst outbreak they’ve seen, and are begging for help: “We have had a ­continuing problem with ­norovirus and are actively ­seeking information.”-Alison McCallum, NHS Lothian

On the Isle of Man, British Empire, a stomach bug outbreak is being blamed on unsanitary handling of livestock.  Some of the cases have been confirmed to be Cryptosporidium (a parasite) and Campylobacter (a bacteria).

In Cheshire, England U.K.,  a company claims to have created a cleanser that will kill many microbes, including norovirus, in less than one minute. The company also claims hospitals in Germany and Austria are using it. It’s called Noroclear, and does not use any harsh chemicals like bleach.   Company officials acknowledge there are other products which work, but none work in less than a minute.  They would not reveal what Noroclear is made from.

On the Jersey Channel Islands, British Empire, people are being told not to go to hospitals or health clinics if they are sick with norovirus.  This is an effort to reduce the spread of the virus.  There is no treatment for norovirus.

In Canada, the Saskatoon Health Region warning of yet another tummy bug outbreak.  This time as many as 500 are sick, after attending a provincial dance competition.  Health officials say the number of cases could go up because at least 1000 people attended the competition.

In Galway, Ireland, visitation has been restricted at University College Hospital.  Hospital officials say they are dealing with an outbreak, and to prevent filling all beds with vomiting bug patients they want people to stay away, especially if they’ve been sick with the bug.

The Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, in Scotland U.K., has been hit with an outbreak yet again.  This time at least 28 patients and nine staff are sick.

The Muddy Boots farm in Fife, Scotland U.K., under investigation after 16 cases of cryptosporidiosis (a parasite). The farm owners don’t like being blamed: “All the tests they conducted have come back negative. They are not willing to clear us….”-Treina Samson

In Cumbria, England U.K., the Furness General Hospital is reporting an escalation in the outbreak there.  Wards have been closed, as well as admissions: “Despite every effort by the trust, the highly contagious bug has continued to spread and the MAU is now significantly affected. In order to ensure that the hospital can return to normal as soon as possible, the decision has been made to close the MAU to admissions….”-spokesman for Morecambe Bay NHS

In Cornwall, England U.K., a man was prevented from seeing his dying wife at the Royal Cornwall Hospital at Treliske.  They blamed a norovirus outbreak.  The man’s wife died from cancer the next day.  Just more proof of how sucky the British Empire health system is.

In Pennsylvania U.S.A., the outbreak at Saint Katharine of Siena School in Wayne continues.  At latest count, 140 students and teachers became sick.  Also, a dog camp in North Hills closed after dogs became sick.  They will remain closed until 02 May.

‘Tis the season for cicadas.  Entomologists are warning that while your pets wont be killed by eating these loud bugs, if they eat too many they could suffer the same symptoms as norovirus.  Before getting too concerned try to remember if your dog or cat was munching down on some of these faux locusts.