Environmental Health News
*5/12/06* OUTBREAK OF GASTROINTESTINAL ILLNESS
The Western U.P. District Health Department is in the process of investigating a widespread outbreak of gastrointestinal disease in the L’Anse area. This illness, sometimes called “stomach flu,” is characterized by vomiting and diarrhea, often severe, that begins abruptly and usually passes in a day or two. It is most likely caused by a virus called “norovirus” which is easily transmitted from person to person and is the most common cause of such outbreaks.
This illness should not be confused with influenza –“flu” – which is primarily a respiratory disease. “Flu shots” offer no protection against gastrointestinal disease.
The best way to stop spreading this virus is to practice good hygiene. Ill persons may shed the virus not only when they are sick, but up to two weeks afterwards. That makes careful hand washing the most important element of control – for both sick and well people. Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water. Cleaning up environmental surfaces when someone in the house has been sick is important too since the virus can be spread from touching contaminated items (see “Disinfection”). The virus can also be spread through contaminated food so you should not prepare or handle food for other people if you are sick.