norwalk virus

[scue]

fuuuuuuuuuckkkkkkkkk

-rant over-

[prozac]

I had it Christmas 2002. Fucking horrible. I won't go into details becuase they're too terrifying to discuss publicly, but lets just say all night Christmas eve and most of Christmas Day was spent curled up on the bathroom floor.

Ugh.

[krisamata]

Originally Posted by scue

fuuuuuuuuuckkkkkkkkk

-rant over-

i think it can only be classified as a rant when it contains one helluva run on sentence.

[scue]

i live my life on the edge constantly defying definition

[kiMMie]

Where did you get it?

[project.one]

I dont know what it is! Unless thats what totalled my last comp???

[prozac]

^ It's like a really bad flu or something.

[scue]

Originally Posted by kiMMie

Where did you get it?

from my mother who picked it up from a coworker

[project.one]

Im kinda interested to know what this virus is about. Ive got a virus scanner and a firewall... am i still at risk? anything i can do to stop from being infected?

Common, who knows their virus stuff! KNOWLEDGE ME! lol

[b0ld]

Originally Posted by projectone

Im kinda interested to know what this virus is about. Ive got a virus scanner and a firewall... am i still at risk? anything i can do to stop from being infected?

Common, who knows their virus stuff! KNOWLEDGE ME! lol

dude the norwalk virus is one that spreads to humans not computers lol

[project.one]

And my lack of current events strikes again! eh, never claimed to know about it all! haha, i admit to being not-so-knowing in alot of stuff.

wanna talk scuba?

i just got over a virus on my comp, so latley im all about learning about whats going on. I dont know, but i should!

[g!ggles]

my mum works for the cruise ships and she said on Sunday afternoon a ship docked and almost 80% of the people that got off of it had that virus. It's nice to know that soo many ppl are spreading it around.

Watch out for tourists *lol*

[grapelord]

Yikes Scue, hope you get better.

A Cat Skiing operation here in the Kootenays had an outbreak early this season. They would close for two weeks, do everything the health board reccommended to clear it up and people would still get sick when they stayed there afterwards. Wash your hands, and dont let other people touch your cutlery!

[Kandyapple]

Originally Posted by projectone

And my lack of current events strikes again! eh, never claimed to know about it all! haha, i admit to being not-so-knowing in alot of stuff.

wanna talk scuba?

i just got over a virus on my comp, so latley im all about learning about whats going on. I dont know, but i should!

What is Norwalk virus infection?
Norwalk virus infection is an intestinal illness that often occurs in outbreaks.

What is the infectious agent that causes Norwalk virus infection?
Norwalk virus infection is caused by the Norwalk virus. The virus was first identified in 1972 after an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness in Norwalk, Ohio. Later, other viruses with similar features were described and called Norwalk-like viruses. These have since been classified as members of the calicivirus family.

Where is Norwalk virus found?
Norwalk and Norwalk-like viruses are found worldwide. Humans are the only known hosts. The viruses are passed in the stool of infected persons.

How do people get Norwalk virus infection?
People get Norwalk virus infection by swallowing food or water that has been contaminated with stool from an infected person. Outbreaks in the United States are often linked to eating raw shellfish, especially oysters and clams. Shellfish become contaminated via stool from sick food handlers or from raw sewage dumped overboard by recreational and/or commercial boaters. Contaminated water, ice, eggs, salad ingredients, and ready-to-eat foods are other sources of infection.

Who is at risk for Norwalk virus infection?
Anyone can get Norwalk virus infection, but it may be more common in adults and older children.

What are the signs and symptoms of Norwalk virus infection?

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Severe illness or hospitalization is uncommon. Infected persons usually recover in 2 to 3 days without serious or long-term health effects.

How soon after exposure do symptoms appear?
Symptoms usually appear in 1 to 2 days after swallowing contaminated food or water.

How is Norwalk virus infection diagnosed?
Laboratory diagnosis is difficult. Diagnosis is often based on the combination of symptoms and the short time of illness.

What is the treatment for Norwalk virus infection?
No specific treatment is available. Persons who are severely dehydrated might need rehydration therapy.

How common is Norwalk virus infection?
Norwalk and Norwalk-like viruses are increasingly being recognized as leading causes of foodborne disease in the United States. However, since no routine diagnostic test is available, the true prevalence is not known. Norwalk and Norwalk-like viruses have been linked to outbreaks of intestinal illness on cruise ships and in communities, camps, schools, institutions, and families.
Many oyster-related outbreaks of intestinal illness linked to Norwalk-like viruses have been reported in Louisiana, Florida, Maryland, and other states where oyster harvesting is common. In 1993, 73 people in Louisiana and about 130 others in the United States who ate oysters from Louisiana became ill. A malfunctioning sewage system was the cause of an outbreak in 1996. An outbreak in 1997 was linked to sewage from oyster-harvesting boats.

How can Norwalk virus be prevented?

• Wash hands with soap and warm water after toilet visits and before preparing or eating food.
• Cook all shellfish thoroughly before eating.
• Wash raw vegetables before eating.
• Dispose of sewage in a sanitary manner.
• Food handlers with symptoms of Norwalk-like illness should not prepare or touch food.