Iowa | Norovirus outbreaks continues across the state
Iowa | 26 Jan 2012
The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) continues to see outbreaks of norovirus illness across the state, and reports of activity have been increasing in recent weeks. Anyone can be infected with norovirus and become ill and you can get norovirus illness more than once.
“With this virus in our communities and because it is so easy to spread, we need everybody to stay home when they are ill with diarrhea and vomiting,” said IDPH Medical Director, Dr. Patricia Quinlisk. “There’s no vaccine and no antibiotics for norovirus. It can spread in food, in the air, by shaking hands and by touching things like door knobs that an ill person has touched. So the only way to stop its spread is for those who are ill to stay home.”
Norovirus is sometimes called a ‘stomach bug.’ Symptoms of norovirus infection usually include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and stomach cramping. Norovirus can spread quickly from person-to-person, especially in crowded, closed places like schools, hotels and daycare centers. The viruses are found in the vomit and stool of infected people, and can get into the air. Typically you get it by:
- Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus (someone gets stool or vomit on their hands because they are ill, they then touch your food or drink).
- Touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus and then putting your hand or fingers in your mouth.
- Being near someone who is vomiting or having diarrhea.
- Having direct contact with a person who is infected with norovirus (for example, when caring for someone with norovirus).
There are two critical ways to stop the spread of norovirus:
- Stay home when ill and do not prepare food for anyone but yourself until three days after all diarrhea and vomiting have stopped.
- Wash hands frequently, especially after using the toilet and changing diapers, and always before eating or preparing food.
For more information about norovirus, visit http://tinyurl.com/7g3gvml.
Iowa | Flu activity in state includes novel strain
Iowa | Routine surveillance by the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), the State Hygienic Lab and other partners across the state indicate that a novel strain of the influenza virus has been detected in three children in Webster and Hamilton Counties. This virus, an influenza A/H3N2 recombinant virus, has also been detected in other states in recent months. Symptoms are similar to the regular seasonal flu and include fever, cough, tiredness, body aches and loss of appetite.
This influenza A/H3N2 virus contains components of human, avian, H1N1, and swine influenza. All spread has been human to human, and spread appears to be limited; no further cases have been identified in the last week. None of the cases have had any animal exposure. Because the virus is unique, IDPH has increased surveillance for this strain at clinics and emergency rooms.
“It appears the seasonal influenza vaccine currently available may offer some protection against this novel strain,” said IDPH Medical Director, Dr. Patricia Quinlisk. “However, we continue to stress the importance of personal protective actions. Remember the three Cs: Clean you hands frequently; Cover your coughs and sneezes; and Contain germs by staying home when ill.”
No serious illness or death has been reported in connection with this novel influenza A/H3N2 virus, and all cases have recovered. For more information on the virus, visit www.idph.state.ia.us/Cade/Influenza.aspx?pg=FluHome
Iowa | IDPH announces first flu case of season
Polk County Iowa | The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has received its first confirmed seasonal influenza report for the 2011-2012 season. The State Hygienic Laboratory (SHL) confirmed the positive test result in a Polk County child (0 to 17 years of age), with no reported medical conditions.
“Right now is a good time to get your flu vaccine,” said IDPH Medical Director, Dr. Patricia Quinlisk. “It’s not too late to be vaccinated for seasonal influenza, and it’s especially important for those with risk factors including heart diseases, lung diseases, diabetes, women who are pregnant, and the very young and very old.”
The influenza vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older. While the flu vaccine is the best defense against getting influenza, it’s also important to take personal actions to help prevent the spread of illness. Remember the 3Cs: Cover your coughs and sneezes; Clean your hands frequently; and Contain germs by staying home when ill.
The flu is a respiratory illness caused by viruses. It spreads easily from person to person and can cause mild to severe illness. The flu comes on suddenly and symptoms may include fever, headache, tiredness, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, and body aches. Illness typically lasts two to seven days. Influenza may cause severe illness or complications in people such as the very young or very old, or those who have underlying health conditions.
Contact your health care provider or local health department to find out where the vaccine is available in your community. More information about influenza can be found at www.idph.state.ia.us/Cade/Influenza.aspx
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