Illinois Not Immune to Norovirus Outbreaks

Oct. 3, 2011 - PRLog -- In the United States, the CDC estimates that more than 21 million cases of acute gastroenteritis are due to norovirus infections each year.  According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, “These viruses are an important cause of gastrointestinal illness throughout the United States, including Illinois.”

Earlier this year, a retirement home in Evanston witnessed more than 60 residents and staff being sickened by the virus.  Last year, noroviruses were discovered in at least two dozen Chicago area schools ranging from elementary schools to a university.

Noroviruses are a group of related, single-stranded RNA, non-enveloped viruses that cause acute gastroenteritis in humans. Norovirus is the official genus name for the group of viruses previously described as “Norwalk-like viruses” or small round structured viruses because of their morphologic features.

They are named after the original strain known as “Norwalk virus,” which caused an outbreak of gastroenteritis in a school in Norwalk, Ohio, in 1968. Currently, there are five recognized norovirus genogroups, of which three (GI, GII, and GIV) are known to affect humans. More than 25 different genotypes have been identified within these genogroups.

“Noroviruses are highly contagious and as few as 10 of the viral particles may be sufficient to infect someone,” reported Ed Chambers, President of EC2, an Illinois based environmental and infectious disease prevention specialty firm.  “Noroviruses are transmitted primarily through the fecal-oral route, either by consumption of fecally contaminated food or water or by direct person-to-person spread. Environmental and fomite contamination is also believed to be a source of infection. Evidence exists for transmission due to aerosolization of vomitus as well.  Being able to identify the source of an outbreak quickly can help prevent it from spreading.  Proper sanitation and hygiene procedures can also dramatically reduce infections from this virus,” he continued.

EC2 recently sponsored a public outreach video about noroviruses to help educate the public about ways to protect themselves.  It can be seen at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFxoxW_TdKw



To learn more about noroviruses or other environmental and indoor air quality (IAQ) issues, please visit http://www.4ec2inc.com, email info@4ec2inc.com or call (815) 703-9000.

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About EC2, Inc.
EC2 is a leading provider of environmental consulting and inspection services for clients across the United States. Based in the Chicago area, the company provides their services to clients ranging from local companies and institutions to international Fortune 500 Corporations.