Norovirus illness hitting more Minnesotans

The number of outbreaks is double what was reported in 2005, and the holidays are the worst time of year for flu-like infections.
Donna Halvorsen

Last update: December 07, 2006 – 11:27 PM


It's called the winter vomiting bug and it's notorious for sickening thousands of cruise-ship passengers.

Now, the norovirus is hitting Minnesota hard. The bug, which lasts about 48 hours, used to be called the Norwalk virus and it has caused 45 outbreaks and made hundreds of people sick in Minnesota this year. That is twice as many outbreaks as last year.

Because of recent outbreaks, the state Health Department has... alerted restaurants and other food-service establishments to take extra precautions to avoid infecting diners, especially during the holidays' catered events and in-home dinner parties.

The virus is so common "that every food-service establishment will almost certainly be confronted with illness in one or more employees in the next few weeks or months," the Health Department said.

Each year in the United States, 23 million norovirus infections result in an estimated 50,000 hospitalizations and 310 deaths, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Symptoms: Vomiting and/or diarrhea, stomach cramping, low-grade fever or chills, headache and muscle aches. Symptoms appear a day or two after ingesting the virus but as soon as 12 hours.

How long will it last: A day or two for most people, up to a week with milder symptoms.

How it's spread: By contact with food or drink by servers who have the virus on their hands. The virus comes from contact with fecal matter. It's spread when food workers inadequately wash their hands after going to the bathroom.

Where can transmission occur: Anywhere food is served, including cruise ships, restaurants, buffets, cafeterias, schools, day-care centers, home parties.

Why are there more outbreaks this year? Perhaps more people are reporting the illness because of well-publicized food-poisoning outbreaks.

Restaurant and other food establishments alert: The alert asks businesses to "aggressively" ask employees if they are or have been ill. Send sick workers home until they have been symptom-free for 72 hours. Be aware that what looks like the flu may be a norovirus infection. Minimize bare-hand contact with food. Require thorough hand washing. Sanitize food surfaces and equipment touched by an ill employee. Make sure dishwashers are cleaning dishes adequately. Report employee illness to the Minnesota Department of Health: 1-877-FOOD-ILL or 1-877-366-3455.

How to avoid the virus: Wash hands after using the bathroom or changing diapers and before preparing food and eating. Wash and/or peel fruits and vegetables before eating. Avoid preparing food for others when you have symptoms and for at least three days after you recover. Use household bleach to immediately clean surfaces after a person has been sick.

For more information: Go to www.health.state.mn.us, click on Norovirus Alert under Hot Topics, then click on Norovirus Fact Sheet. Source: Minnesota Department of Health