East Surrey Hospital Reports Cases Of Winter Vomiting Virus, England

Main Category: GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology
Also Included In: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Article Date: 16 Dec 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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Holmwood and Godstone wards have been closed to incoming patients after 18 people at the hospital have developed symptoms of winter vomiting virus.

Tests are now being done to find the cause and the wards will remain shut until all symptoms of the bug have cleared.

Members of the public are being asked to consider the necessity of their visit to the hospital. No one should visit if they themselves have been unwell within the last week.

Mary Sexton, Director of Nursing, said: "The message we want to give to visitors is not to come to the hospital if they feel in any way unwell themselves and only to visit existing patients at this time if they really need to.

"This is a necessary precaution to prevent the spread of the virus.

"We certainly would not stop anyone visiting close relations but we would ask people to speak to a member of staff to find out where to wash their hands with soap and water before carrying out their visit.

"At the moment the hospital is conducting business as usual in its outpatient departments, maternity and regular clinics. However we would like to generally reduce the amount of people moving through the hospital at this time for obvious reasons."

Holmwood is a cardiac ward. Godstone is a medical ward.

Winter vomiting viruses are a common illness within the community but are particularly problematic if they spread into a hospital which has large numbers of vulnerable patients in relatively close proximity to one another.

FAQ

What are winter vomiting viruses?

Winter vomiting viruses are a group of viruses that are the most common cause of gastroenteritis (stomach bugs) in England and Wales.

How do these viruses spread?

The virus is easily transmitted from one person to another. It can be transmitted by contact with an infected person, by consuming contaminated food or water or by contact with contaminated surfaces or objects.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of infection will begin around 12 to 48 hours after becoming infected. The illness is self-limiting and the symptoms will last for 12 to 60 hours. They will start with the sudden onset of nausea followed by projectile vomiting and watery diarrhoea. Some people may have a raised temperature, headaches and aching limbs. Most people make a full recovery within one to two days, however some people (usually the very young or elderly) may become very dehydrated and require hospital treatment.

Why does winter vomiting virus often cause outbreaks?

Winter vomiting virus often causes outbreaks because it is easily spread from one person to another and the virus is able to survive in the environment for many days. Because there are many different strains of winter vomiting virus, and immunity is short-lived, outbreaks tend to affect more than 50 per cent of susceptible people. Outbreaks usually tend to affect people who are in semi-closed environments such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools and on cruise ships.

How can these outbreaks be stopped?

Outbreaks can be difficult to control and long-lasting because winter vomiting virus is easily transmitted from one person to another and the virus can survive in the environment. The most effective way to respond to an outbreak is to disinfect contaminated areas, to institute good hygiene measures including hand-washing and to provide advice on food handling. Those who have been infected should be isolated for up to 48 hours after their symptoms have ceased.

How is winter vomiting virus treated?

There is no specific treatment for winter vomiting virus apart from letting the illness run its course. It is important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

If I'm suffering from winter vomiting virus, how can I prevent others from becoming infected?

Good hygiene is important in preventing others from becoming infected - this includes thorough hand washing before and after contact. Food preparation should also be avoided until three days after symptoms have gone altogether.

Who is at risk of getting winter vomiting virus?

There is no one specific group who are at risk of contracting winter vomiting virus - it affects people of all ages. The very young and elderly should take extra care if infected, as dehydration is more common in these age groups.

Outbreaks of winter vomiting virus are reported frequently in semi-closed institutions such as hospitals, schools, residential and nursing homes and hotels. Anywhere that large numbers of people congregate for periods of several days provides an ideal environment for the spread of the disease. Healthcare settings tend to be particularly affected by outbreaks of winter vomiting virus. A recent study done by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) shows that outbreaks are shortened when control measures at healthcare settings are implemented quickly, such as closing wards to new admissions within four days of the beginning of the outbreak and implementing strict hygiene measures.

How common is winter vomiting virus?

Winter vomiting virus is not a notifiable disease so reporting is done on a voluntary basis. The HPA receives reports of outbreaks and there are anywhere between 130 and 250 outbreaks each year. It is estimated that winter vomiting virus affects between 600,000 and a million people in the UK each year.

Are there any long-term effects?

No, there are no long-term effects from winter vomiting virus.

What can be done to prevent infection?

It is impossible to prevent infection, however, taking good hygiene measures (such as frequent hand washing) around someone who is infected is important. Certain measures can be taken in the event of an outbreak, including the implementation of basic hygiene and food handling measures, prompt disinfection of contaminated areas and the isolation of those infected for 48 hours after their symptoms have ceased.

About Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust

The Trust provides a range of patient services from six locations across Surrey and Sussex, including our main site at East Surrey Hospital, Redhill. We also operate services from Crawley Hospital in partnership with West Sussex Primary Care Trust, who own and manage the site. The Trust employs around 2,700 staff and spends around £144m of public money delivering vital NHS services.

Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust

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