0
What else can I help you with?
What kind of Flu is Norwalk?
It is commonly called the "stomach flu", however, it is not really the flu at all. It is a viral infection of the gastrointestinal tract caused by a type of viruses called noroviruses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that "noroviruses account for more than 96% of all viral gastroenteritis cases, with at least 23 million infections occurring annually in the United States." It causes approximately 50% of the viral intestinal disease world wide.
How are noroviruses diagnosed?
Norovirus from fecal samples can be visualized using electron microscopy. With immune electron microscopy (IEM), antibodies against norovirus are collected from blood serum and used to trap and visualize the virus from fecal samples.
What New virus is going around according to CNN?
There is always new viruses in the headlines and CNN would certainly be one of the news stations sharing the news. Over the last year there have been concerns about spread of noroviruses on cruise ships (stomach bugs); coronaviruses like the Middle Eastern Mers-Virus scare (respiratory viruses); and various strains of the flu virus.
A virus of particular concern to food safety is?
Food and waterborne viruses contribute to a substantial number of illnesses throughout the world. Among those most commonly known are hepatitis A virus, rotavirus, hepatitis E virus, and noroviruses. This diverse group is transmitted by the fecal-oral route. The name Norovirus is derived from Norwalk virus, which is responsible for 50% of all foodborne outbreaks of gastroenteritis in the United States. See link below for further information.
What causes viral gastroenteritis?
Viral gastroenteritis can be caused by a number of organisms including noroviruses, rotoviruses, adenoviruses, sapoviruses, and astroviruses. They are highly contagious and the symptoms can cause life-threatening dehydration in some cases.
Can you get norovirus it twice in one month?
AnswerYes, you can get Norovirus again because it's under the heading of "viral infection." If you follow the instructions below you should be just fine and if you don't have to go on a cruise or travel by plane then don't! Cruise ships in particular are having a bad time of controlling Norovirus not because the conditions on the ship of unclean, but because there are people from different parts of the world traveling and this virus is spread from simply shaking someone's hand to a cook preparing your meal. Stay away from uncooked seafood (Sushi) and also salads. DRINK BOTTLED WATER ONLY and don't forget, ice cubes in your drink can also carry this virus. Norovirus Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Norovirus Web Site (with updates)For general information - Norovirus Information SheetQ. What are noroviruses? A. Noroviruses are a group of viruses that cause the �stomach flu,� or gastroenteritis (GAS-tro-en-ter-I-tis), in people. The term norovirus was recently approved as the official name for this group of viruses. Several other names have been used for noroviruses, including:Norwalk-like viruses (NLVs) caliciviruses (because they belong to the virus family Caliciviridae) small round structured viruses. Viruses are very different from bacteria and parasites, some of which can cause illnesses similar to norvirus infection. Viruses are much smaller, are not affected by treatment with antibiotics, and cannot grow outside of a person�s body.-top-Q. What are the symptoms of illness caused by noroviruses? A. The symptoms of norovirus illness usually include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and some stomach cramping. Sometimes people additionally have a low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and a general sense of tiredness. The illness often begins suddenly, and the infected person may feel very sick. The illness is usually brief, with symptoms lasting only about 1 or 2 days. In general, children experience more vomiting than adults. Most people with norovirus illness have both of these symptoms.-top-Q. What is the name of the illness caused by noroviruses? A. Illness caused by norovirus infection has several names, including:stomach flu � this �stomach flu� is not related to the flu (or influenza), which is a respiratory illness caused by influenza virus. viral gastroenteritis � the most common name for illness caused by norovirus. Gastroenteritis refers to an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. acute gastroenteritis non-bacterial gastroenteritis food poisoning (although there are other causes of food poisoning) calicivirus infection-top-Q. How serious is norovirus disease? A. Norovirus disease is usually not serious, although people may feel very sick and vomit many times a day. Most people get better within 1 or 2 days, and they have no long-term health effects related to their illness. However, sometimes people are unable to drink enough liquids to replace the liquids they lost because of vomiting and diarrhea. These persons can become dehydrated and may need special medical attention. This problem with dehydration is usually only seen among the very young, the elderly, and persons with weakened immune systems. There is no evidence to suggest that an infected person can become a long-term carrier of norovirus.-top-Q. How do people become infected with noroviruses? A. Noroviruses are found in the stool or vomit of infected people. People can become infected with the virus in several ways, including:eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus; touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus, and then placing their hand in their mouth; having direct contact with another person who is infected and showing symptoms (for example, when caring for someone with illness, or sharing foods or eating utensils with someone who is ill). Persons working in day-care centers or nursing homes should pay special attention to children or residents who have norovirus illness. This virus is very contagious and can spread rapidly throughout such environments.-top-Q. When do symptoms appear? A. Symptoms of norovirus illness usually begin about 24 to 48 hours after ingestion of the virus, but they can appear as early as 12 hours after exposure. -top-Q. Are noroviruses contagious? A. Noroviruses are very contagious and can spread easily from person to person. Both stool and vomit are infectious. Particular care should be taken with young children in diapers who may have diarrhea.How long are people contagious?People infected with norovirus are contagious from the moment they begin feeling ill to at least 3 days after recovery. Some people may be contagious for as long as 2 weeks after recovery. Therefore, it is particularly important for people to use good handwashing and other hygienic practices after they have recently recovered from norovirus illness.-top-Q. Who gets norovirus infection? A. Anyone can become infected with these viruses. There are many different strains of norovirus, which makes it difficult for a person�s body to develop long-lasting immunity. Therefore, norovirus illness can recur throughout a person�s lifetime. In addition, because of differences in genetic factors, some people are more likely to become infected and develop more severe illness than others. -top-Q. What treatment is available for people with norovirus infection? A. Currently, there is no antiviral medication that works against norovirus and there is no vaccine to prevent infection. Norovirus infection cannot be treated with antibiotics. This is because antibiotics work to fight bacteria and not viruses.Norovirus illness is usually brief in healthy individuals. When people are ill with vomiting and diarrhea, they should drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Dehydration among young children, the elderly, the sick, can be common, and it is the most serious health effect that can result from norovirus infection. By drinking oral rehydration fluids (ORF), juice, or water, people can reduce their chance of becoming dehydrated. Sports drinks do not replace the nutrients and minerals lost during this illness.-top-Q. Can norovirus infections be prevented? A. Yes. You can decrease your chance of coming in contact with noroviruses by following these preventive steps:Frequently wash your hands, especially after toilet visits and changing diapers, before eating or preparing food. Carefully wash fruits and vegetables, and steam oysters before eating them. Thoroughly clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces immediately after an episode of illness by using a bleach-based household cleaner. Immediately remove and wash clothing or linens that may be contaminated with virus after an episode of illness (use hot water and soap). Flush or discard any vomitus and/or stool in the toilet and make sure that the surrounding area is kept clean. Persons who are infected with norovirus should not prepare food while they have symptoms and for 3 days after they recover from their illness. Food that may have been contaminated by an ill person should be disposed of properly.
Do flu like symptoms such as fever go along with virus?
Some virus infections do cause those symptoms that are like the flu, such as fever, coughs and sneezes, body aches, headaches, malaise and fatigue. However, not all viruses cause these symptoms. The most common viruses to cause these symptoms are the cold and flu viruses and those viruses that cause viral gastroenteritis (also known as "stomach flu", although it is not due to influenza viruses). Viral gastroenteritis is also commonly called Norwalk flu and it is most often due to noroviruses, that are specific to the GI tract, just as influenza viruses are due to viruses that are specific to the respiratory tract.
What are some gastrointestinal tract disorders that include abdomen pain and loss of appetite?
Abdominal pain and loss of appetite are very unspecific symptoms. They can stem from pretty much any disorder in the gastroinstestinal tract, and even from disorders elsewhere in the body. A common gastrointestinal infection by rota- or noroviruses ("stomach flu") for example can feel bad but might cure itself after a few days. Irritable bowel syndrome can cause recurring pains and could be caused by a variety of issues. Occassional abdominal pain or loss of appetite can happen just because you ate something that didn't agree with you. If you have prolonged pains or seem to have lost your appetite completely, you should urgently see a doctor to determine where the problem lies.
What organism commonly causes food poisoning?
The most common bacterial microorganism to cause food poisoning is by far Escherichia coli - E. coli. Other common bacterial pathogens that cause food poisoning are Salmonella, Campylobacter and Listeria. Common viruses that cause food poisoning are Noroviruses, Rotaviruses and Enteroviruses. In some classifications, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis E viruses are considered to be causes of food poisoning, although they have much longer incubation periods and affect organs outside stomach and intestines. To be complete, it is worth going slightly outside the scope of the question and mention another common cause of food poisoning: toxins (although, they are not organisms - they are biologically active organic and inorganic compounds).
What does noro mean in Norovirus?
The 'Noro' from Norovirus finds its roots where the original strain of the virus was first detected. This was in Norwalk Ohio. This viral strain was identified when there was an acute outbreak of gastroenteritis among an elementary school. Since the original strain was identified, there has been a number of similar viral strains, described as 'Norwalk-like viruses.' It's important to know that Noroviruses are extremely contagious. It takes only a few of the tiniest particles to contaminate. This includes airborne particles found in toilets. Consequently, it's critical that continual hygienic practices are followed, such as: washing of hands constantly, sanitising toilet handles, door knobs, sink taps and particularly replacing toothbrushes which are left in a common glass in the bathroom, exposed to the atmosphere. Toothbrushes should be placed in secure containers which have restricted access to general bathroom airflow.
Which of the following diseases is caused by viruses?
Humans alone have hundreds of diseases that are caused by viruses. A very limited sampling includes: 1. The common cold, which is caused by rhinoviruses. 2. Some types of food poisoning from eating shellfish, caused by noroviruses. 3. Genital warts, which are caused by one strain of herpes simplex virus. 4. AIDS, which is caused by infection with HIV. 5. Cervical cancer, which is caused by infection with human papillomavirus.
Is viral myalgia contagious?
Sometimes. Myalgia (pain in a muscle) itself is a symptomof various causes, such as injury, strain, many diseases, disorders, and infections, including bacterial or viral infections, which are contagious and the symptom of muscle pain could be called viral myalgia when the cause is a virus. In that case, the virus would be contagious.However if you catch the same virus that is causing another person to have symptoms of muscle pain, you may or may not also have the same symptoms since each individual's response to infection can be different. You could have caught the contagious virus they had, but you may not have "caught" the same exact symptoms. Instead of muscle pain, you might have headaches or muscle weakness or other such effects of the virus.To name only some contagious diseases and infections that can cause myalgia, they are:InfluenzaOther viruses, e.g., polio and noroviruses (viral "stomach flu", aka viral gastroenteritis)Bacterial infections, such as an abscess of a muscleLyme diseaseMalariaThe common cold, e.g., rhinoviruses and coronaviruses
