COMMUNICATIONS

Media Release - 24/01/2006

Stomach Virus

Cases of the stomach bug ‘Norovirus’, have been reported to Community and Public Health in Christchurch. Six cases have been linked to one premises, and another eight stem from a scattering of other food premises.

Medical Officer of Health for Canterbury, Dr Mel Brieseman said the bug was highly infectious and caused vomiting and diarrhoea.

It was spread through contaminated food and surfaces, and through contact with infected people.

“It can come on up to a day after being in contact with it, and it can last for a day or two before it passes,” said Dr Brieseman.

“The message is that if you are feeling unwell and suspect you have this bug, don’t go to work. People who are feeling ill should be staying at home.”

“The importance of hand washing can not be too highly recommended. People should be very careful when preparing food and handwashing before embarking on food preparation cannot be stressed enough.”

The disease has a rapid onset and can progress from nausea to vomiting very rapidly so the advice to food handlers is to stay off work if they are unwell. And since the virus can be excreted from the bowel for 48 hours after the acute symptoms subside, they should remain off work for this period.

Outbreaks are well recognised on cruise ships, in hospitals schools and nursing homes but clearly can spread in any situation where people congregate. “Hence the advice for people to stay away from work and other gatherings when they are not well. It also emphasises the need for personal hygiene within the home as well.”

A pamphlet on ‘Norovirus’ is available from the Community Health Information Centre at 76 Chester Street East, Christchurch or the Community & Public Health website http://www.cph.co.nz/files/MED0171.pdf.

Ends.

Jocelyn Johnstone
Acting Communications Manager
027-284-3286