Norovirus Infection 
In the light of the recent increase in the rates of Norovirus
(winter vomiting disease), the Environmental Health department of
the Vale of Glamorgan Council would like to remind the public of
the importance of proper hand washing and good hygiene to the
reduce the spread of infection.
The NPHS have issued a statement regarding current norovirus
activity in Wales that also includes advice on how to manage the
illness and measures to take to reduce further spread of
infection.
Dr Roland Salmon, Director of the Communicable Disease
Surveillance Centre, National Public Health Service for Wales
(NPHS) says:
“The infection, although unpleasant, usually resolves itself in
24 to 48 hours. The vast majority of cases are treated at home and
do not come to health service attention.
“Norovirus is often called ‘winter vomiting disease’ due to its
seasonality and symptoms and is the most common cause of infectious
gastroenteritis in Wales. Although relatively mild, norovirus
infection can occur at any age because people do not build up
long-term immunity to it.
“Outbreaks of gastroenteritis caused by norovirus are common in
semi-closed environments such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools
and cruise ships. These can be difficult to control and long
lasting because norovirus is easily transmitted from one person to
another and the virus can survive in the environment.
“It is unfortunately very difficult to prevent infections
occurring in the community. However, taking good hygiene measures
around someone who is infected, like frequent hand washing, will
reduce the spread of infection.”
There are five basic ways to manage diarrhoea and vomiting and
prevent the spread of diseases such as norovirus:
- Careful handwashing is the most important prevention measure
that you can take. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water
and dry afterwards. Do not share towels.
- Use gloves when handling soiled articles from ill people. Wash
soiled clothing and bed linen on ‘hot cycle’.
- If looking after someone with gastroenteritis, carefully
disinfect toilet seats, flush handles, wash-hand basin taps and
toilet door handles daily and after use. Use a bleach-based
household cleaner, diluted according to the manufacturer’s
instructions.
- Maintain good personal hygiene and hygienic preparation and
serving of food.
- If you have gastroenteritis, don’t return to school or work
until you have been symptom-free for 48 hours. Don't visit patients
in local hospitals and long-term care facilities. While many people
tend to feel better sooner, illness can still be spread if they
return to work or school within 48 hours since the last
symptom.
Source: National Public
Health Service for Wales