Norovirus spreading in Winnipeg hospitals, care homes
Last Updated: Wednesday, November 1, 2006 | 6:52 PM CT
CBC News
The highly contagious norovirus is spreading in Winnipeg's hospitals and personal care homes, the city's medical health officer warned Wednesday.
Dr. Margaret Fast, medical officer of health for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, said that norovirus has appeared in city hospitals, emergency rooms and personal care homes.
"For the past number of years, norovirus infection seemed to be on the increase, and it's not an officially reportable disease, so we don't have accurate numbers on cases," Fast said.
But there have been "cases and outbreaks in higher numbers than usual across the whole country," she said.
"People need to be concerned to the extent that they take reasonable precautions."
The number of norovirus infections is difficult to track because not everyone seeks hospital treatment once they contract it. But officials at St. Boniface General Hospital told CBC News they have seen about 100 cases in the past week.
The term norovirus refers to a group of viruses that affect the gastrointestinal system. It was formerly known as the Norwalk virus.
No vaccine available
Symptoms of the norovirus are similar to those for a stomach flu, including vomiting, diarrhea and cramps. There is no vaccine for norovirus. However, Fast said norovirus does not usually require a trip to the emergency room. Those who are concerned about a possible norovirus infection can call the province's HealthLinks service.
Norovirus spreads very easily, "either through direct contact or through what we call indirect contact," Fast said.
"For example, I've got some on my fingers, and I touch a surface — maybe my keyboard — and then you come along and use my keyboard, and you're eating your lunch there at the same time. You don't need many viral particles to cause infection and illness."
Symptoms can last up to three days, but the illness can still be spread for days after those symptoms disappear.
Wash hands often
As for avoiding norovirus, Fast said people should keep their hands clean as much as possible.
"Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, after you've been to the washroom particularly, but also at other times when they've become contaminated," she said.
"But if you don't have access to soap and water, there are a number of hand hygiene products on the market now and those are very good as well."
Fast said those who believe they have norovirus should drink lots of fluids and not prepare food that others will eat.
