26 January 2014 (01:50 UTC-07 Tango)/24 Rabi ‘al-Awwal 1435/06 Bahman 1392/26 Gui-Chou (12th month) 4711
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) can cause norovirus like symptoms. Most tumors are detected after misdiagnosis.
India: A new medical study, to be published in February, shows that the more prescription drugs you use, the harder it is to deal with tummy infections. Specifically the vomiting bug bacteria known as shigellosis. Researchers warn against using nalidixic acid, ampicillin, co-trimoxazole and ciprofloxacin.
Italy: A study says giving your baby probiotics will reduce the chances of it getting some types of gastrointestinal diseases. Probiotics are ‘good’ bacteria that help your stomach.
Aomori Prefecture, Japan: At least 77 people with symptoms of norovirus after eating box lunches (bentos) they bought at a store. The store has been ordered to stop selling the lunches.
Gunma Prefecture, Japan: At least 2800 people sickened after eating frozen foods laced with malathion. An arrest has been made. Company officials have apologized. Police suspect the employee they arrested deliberately poisoned the frozen foods, over the course of four production runs, because of issues regarding his pay. The employee denies the accusation.
Hiroshima, Japan: 303 Junior High School students, and 20 teachers from ten schools got sick. Health officials suspect norovirus. Lunches for all ten schools are supplied by the same food service contractor.
Kyoto, Japan: Four people dead at Soseikai General Hospital. Officials finally revealed the seriousness of the outbreak, saying it’s been going on for the past five weeks! At least 101 patients and employees of the hospital have been infected with norovirus.
United Kingdom: Health official are telling people that if they’ve been sick with norovirus symptoms, they need to stay away from hospitals for at least 48 hours after feeling better. Norovirus continues to close hospital wards with Wigan Infirmary and Wrexham Maelor Hospital.
Georgia, United States: Reports of 30 people down at the Warner Robins Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. Both patients and employees are sick. Tests are being done to determine the cause.
Florida, United States: Indian River County revealing that “Norovirus has been identified as the culprit in several recent outbreaks in long term care facilities….”-Cheryl Dunn, Florida Department of Health
Minnesota, United States: Many students at schools in Hermantown were out sick due to an outbreak. A school nurse noted that most of the locals were calling it a flu outbreak, when in fact it is probably norovirus. They are suspecting self serve lunches in the schools’ cafeterias.
New Jersey, United States: The Royal Caribbean Explorer of the Seas ship halted its voyage to the U.S. Virgin Islands shortly after leaving Cape Liberty. 303 passengers and crew became violently ill. The ship had to be “sanitized” in Puerto Rico. The U.S. CDC will investigate.
New York, United States: Duchess County Department of Health warning of increased gastrointestinal diseases. Specifically norovirus.
Virginia, United States: In Midlothian, it’s been revealed there was an outbreak of norovirus at the Bon Secours Saint Francis Medical Center. Between 30 to 40 hospital employees got sick after eating food brought in by a contracted food service. The actual cause is still being investigated.
The U.S. CDC says norovirus accounts for as many as 800 deaths in the United States, every year.
Norovirus (aka Norwalk Virus), is a surface contact bug, meaning you pick it up by touching or eating it. It is not influenza and there is still no vaccine for fast evolving RNA norovirus. The only ‘treatment’ is to keep the sick person hydrated.
Exotic anti-biotic soaps can’t kill norovirus, or any other virus for that matter, because anti-biotics are only for bacteria. Despite that, even hand ‘sanitizers’ made with alcohol can’t totally get rid of norovirus. Guess what apparently works? According to the U.S. CDC old fashioned hand soap is best. Consumer Reports says to leave the soap on your hands for a minimum of 20 seconds. Also, in public restrooms use a paper towel to turn off the faucet and to open the door, do not touch surfaces with your bare hands after washing them.
Wash household surfaces with bleach.
The worse thing is that you can be infected and not have any symptoms. An infected person can spread norovirus, yet not feel sick themselves. If you think you might be infected do not cook food for other people. People recovering from traditional symptoms of norovirus can continue spreading the bug for days after feeling better (some reports say weeks).