Cruise ships and Norwalk virus
Cruise ships and Norwalk virus, statistics have shown that the chance of contracting Norwalk virus on land is 1 in 12; and 1 in 4000 on a cruise ship.
Norovirus is the new name for Norwalk virus, after receiving worldwide attention for being identified in multiple cruise ship outbreaks.
The Norwalk virus was named after Norwalk, Ohio, where it was first diagnosed in 1972. The Norwalk virus causes gastrointestinal distress, with vomiting and/or diarrhea.
Norovirus is often termed the "cruise ship virus", even thought the vast majority—some 60 percent to 80 percent of outbreaks—occur on land.
Noroviruses are a group of viruses that cause the "stomach flu", "stomach bug", or gastroenteritis in people.
It is often referred as the "flu" but the virus is not the influenza virus, therefore getting a flu shot will not prevent it.
Norovirus is sometimes also referred to as food poisoning, but it is not always transmitted in food, and there are other types of food poisoning not in the norovirus family.
Although the norovirus is very nasty while a person have it, the symptoms come on very suddenly! The illness is very brief as well, most people usually only need one to three days to recover, and do not have adverse long-term health effects.
Cruise ship doctor or physician is required to prepare a special report for the USA Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
, if an outbreak affects 2% or more of the passengers or crew.
The CDC launches "Cruise Ships and Norwalk Virus" investigation if 3% of passengers or crewmembers become ill.
The norovirus can be transmitted from person to person as the viral particles are able to survive for long periods in the environment, the illness can be spread through in a number of ways:
* Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus
> On board cruise ship, by sharing food, water or eating utensils.
* Touching surfaces or objects that are contaminated with norovirus, and then placing a finger or hand in your mouth
> On board cruise ship, surfaces such as hand rails, door knobs and elevator buttons.
* Norovirus is spread by direct person-to-person contact
> Direct contact with a person who is already infected with norovirus .
Cruise ships and Norwalk virus, a statistics have shown that norovirus is very active throughout the U.S.A. Over 10 million North American passengers cruised in 2006, approximately 4,500 of them became ill with the Norwalk virus.
Norovirus is a fairly aggressive virus that the symptom shows up from 12 to 48 hours after exposure. Most people feel better in 3 to 4 days. However, passengers may still be contagious for as long as 2 weeks.
Note: Cruise ships and Norwalk virus, the primary method of becoming infected onboard is by putting something in your mouth that has the Norwalk virus on it - like your fingers.
To avoid getting sick, your own personal hygiene is very important during a cruise to reduce chances of getting ill. The virus can be anywhere on the ship -- on an elevator button, a hand rail, even a door handle.
Cruise ships and Norwalk virus, you should take the following precautions to prevent Norwalk virus infections:
* First and foremost, wash your hands with hot water and soap
> For at least 20 seconds before eating or drinking.
> A waterless, sanitizing hand cleaner is also recommended for times when soap and water are unavailable (they are effective and come in travel size bottles).
* Use alcohol gel or sanitizing hand cleaner prior to eating
> Use them! Now many cruise ships have prepared alcohol gel dispensers for their passengers at the dining rooms entrances.
> It is still a good idea to carry an alcohol gel,you can get a small bottle of 1/2 fluid ounce gel that easily fit into a pocket.
* Do not pass half-eaten dishes from one diner to another.
* Nowadays, frequent cruise ship travelers even pack disinfectant wipes or a small aerosol can of germ-killing spray to treat their stateroom furnishings, bedding, and personal bathrooms before using them.
* However if you found sick, seek medical treatment and try not to infect other passengers.
Treatment of Norwalk virus or norovirus infection:
* Norwalk virus is not bacterial, antibiotics are ineffective in treating the illness.
* Like the common cold, there is no antiviral medication that works against the Norwalk virus.
* No vaccine to prevent infection.
* The most serious health effect that can result is dehydration
> If you are vomiting or have diarrhea, try to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
You can check the USA Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s database of cruise ships and Norwalk virus outbreak updates for international cruise ships at www.cdc.gov
Quick Links to Your Favorite info:
1) Cruise ship illness, cruise ship health!
Prevent yourself from cruise ship illness during your dream cruise vacation! Wash your hands often and avoid eating and drinking anything that you think will make you sick.
2) Protect yourself from cruise ship virus,
check out your ship before you sail!
USA Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Department of Health and Human Services’ Vessel Sanitation Scores are very important for all Cruise ship passengers to know.
3) Protect cruise ship employees from virus on cruise ships!
CDC Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) offers training on public health practices that applied in a cruise ship setting.
4) Cruise ships and Norwalk virus
The Norovirus was originally called the Norwalk Virus. The name was shortened to the Norovirus after receiving worldwide attention for being identified in multiple cruise ship outbreaks.
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