HAMILTON
,
ON – April 4, 2006 – The City of Hamilton’s Public Health Services would like to alert residents to an increase in norovirus activity in the community. Noroviruses are a group of viruses also known as Norwalk-like viruses. They cause gastroenteritis, or the “stomach flu”. People with norovirus typically have nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Norovirus is spread from person-to-person and has a seasonal pattern with peaks in the winter and early spring.
Norovirus is generally not severe, even though people may vomit or have diarrhea several times a day. Most people get better in one to three days. Antibiotics do not cure norovirus. If you have vomiting or diarrhea, continue to drink fluids. Water with a pinch of salt and a spoon of sugar per litre is used all over the world to treat these cases. However, young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems may not be able to drink or eat enough fluid in order to replace the fluid lost through vomiting and diarrhea. This leads to dehydration which may require treatment by a doctor.
Norovirus spreads easily from person-to-person. Public Health Services recommends that people with vomiting or diarrhea wash their hands regularly, especially after using the toilet, and before handling food.
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PSA Contact:
Ornella Tolomeo
Manager, Infectious Diseases Prevention
Public Health Services 905 546-2424 ext 3529