Public Urged To Stay Away To Prevent Norovirus Spread, UK

Main Category: Flu / Cold / SARS
Also Included In: GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology;  Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses;  Public Health
Article Date: 20 Jan 2009 - 0:00 PDT

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This message from Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust is similar to many throughout the UK.

Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust has reissued an appeal for visitors to avoid visiting as far as possible wards at Stafford and Cannock Chase Hospital to help prevent the spread of the winter vomiting bug Norovirus.

The trust had to close three wards at Stafford Hospital last Friday (January 9th) after an outbreak of the bug.

One ward has now been reopened but two remain closed. So far, there have been no cases at Cannock Chase Hospital.

Visitors have been asked to avoid visiting the hospital until all wards are given the all clear.

Norovirus spreads very easily from person to person and it can survive for several days in a contaminated area.

Director of nursing and governance Helen Moss said: "Although we aren't banning visitors, we are discouraging members of the public from attending all Stafford Hospital wards wherever possible to limit the risk of spreading the infection.

"Just because we have reopened one of the wards previously affected, it does not mean that the Norovirus risk has subsided. The more visitors we have coming through the doors of the hospital, the higher the risk that the bug will spread.

"We would urge anyone who has a stomach upset - or a cold, cough or any condition that may be infectious - not to visit our hospitals as we are concerned for the welfare of both our patients and our staff. We have placed posters in our main reception areas at Stafford and Cannock Chase Hospitals advising visitors of steps they can take to reduce the spread of infection."

There is no specific treatment for Norovirus. Drinking plenty of fluids will help to replace those lost through diarrhoea and vomiting, and prevent dehydration. This is very important for young children and the elderly, who are particularly prone to dehydration.

People who have had diarrhoea and sickness are advised to allow at least 48 hours after their symptoms have gone before returning to work or going out in public.

Norovirus is the most common cause of infectious gastroenteritis (diarrhoea and vomiting) during the winter months in England and Wales. The illness is generally mild and people usually recover fully within two to three days; there are no long term effects that result from being infected. Infections can occur at any age because immunity is not long lasting. The disease was historically known as 'winter vomiting disease' due to its seasonality and typical symptoms.

Outbreaks of Norovirus gastroenteritis are common in semi-closed environments such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools and cruise ships. When an outbreak occurs in a hospital it is often necessary to close affected wards to help control the outbreak. It is highly recommended that anyone who is feeling unwell with gastrointestinal symptoms, vomiting and or diarrhoea, should not visit hospitals as this increases the risk of spreading the infection to patients and staff.

Norovirus is highly infectious. Particular attention to good hygiene measures should be observed during outbreaks. It is very important to wash your hands with soap and water after contact with someone who is ill and after using the toilet, especially if you are suffering from symptoms. Thorough cleaning of hard surfaces with a bleach solution, paying particular attention to the toilet and toilet area and cleaning up vomit and the surrounding area quickly will help to reduce environmental contamination and reduce the risk of infection in others coming into contact with these surfaces later on.

Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust

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