[Durham INC] Cases of Stomach Flu Surface in the Durham Area

[RW Pickle]

>From Durham County Health Dept.
RWP
27 beverly
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NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release                                                     
                                   Date: 2/09/09

Contact: Dawn Dudley                                                      
                 Phone: 560-0008/Fax: 560-0020

                                                                                                                E-mail:
ddudley at co.durham.nc.us

Cases of Stomach Flu Surface in the Durham Area

Durham, N.C. –The Durham County Health Department (DCHD) is investigating
and assisting with the management of a cluster of gastroenteritis
illnesses occurring in a long-term care facility in the community.  Viral
gastroenteritis, also known as stomach flu, includes the main symptoms of
watery diarrhea and vomiting.  Sick people may also have headache, fever,
and abdominal cramps or stomach ache.

In general, the symptoms begin one to two days following infection with a
virus that causes gastroenteritis and may last for one to ten days,
depending on which virus causes the illness. This illness does not cause
serious long-term consequences in most healthy people.  However infants,
young children, and people who are unable to care for themselves, such as
the disabled or elderly, are at risk for dehydration from loss of fluids. 
Immune-compromised persons are at risk for dehydration as they may get a
more serious illness, with greater vomiting or diarrhea. These individuals
may need to be hospitalized for treatment to correct or prevent
dehydration.

“To date, the causes of these illnesses are currently unknown,” said Gayle
Harris, director of the Durham County Health Department.  “However,
several outbreaks of norovirus infections have been reported across the
state in the past couple of months.”

Thorough hand washing is the best method of prevention or limitation of
infection. Persons should frequently wash their hands, especially after
toilet visits and changing diapers and before preparing food.  Use soap
and warm water to wash hands as research shows that the alcohol-based hand
sanitizers may not be effective against these viruses.

In addition to washing hands, there are other precautions to prevent
spread of the disease:

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.  It is important to use hot water
and soap.
Flush or discard any vomit or stool in the toilet and make sure that the
surrounding area is kept clean.
Carefully wash fruits and vegetables, and steam oysters before eating
them. People ill with diarrhea and other related symptoms should isolate
themselves from others.
In long-term care facilities, ill residents should be isolated until they
are symptom-free for 48 hours.
For more information about gastroenteritis, the DCHD suggest that ill
persons contact their primary care provider for severe or persistent
illness or dehydration.  Information regarding the cluster of
gastroenteritis illnesses occurring in the community can be obtained by
contacting Gayle Harris at 919-560-7650, or Robert Brown, environmental
health director for Durham County Health Department at 560-7800.