Winter Vomiting Bug, Minnesota – New Strain Of Norovirus Has Entered Minnesota

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) confirmed the first outbreak of the GII.17 Kawasaki strain was reported in Minnesota last week, with “sporadic” instances of the illness having initially appeared earlier this year. MDH has investigated more than 20 outbreaks of norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug, in the state since the beginning of September. Whether the new strain will lead to more norovirus cases this year remains to be seen, but MDH admits it is definitely a possibility and is urging people to take precautions to limit its spread.

“Every few years, a new strain of norovirus emerges and causes many illnesses. We don’t know yet if this new strain will lead to an increase in the number of outbreaks reported, but it could,” Amy Saupe, a foodborne disease epidemiologist at the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), said. “If we’re meticulous about washing our hands and handling food properly, we may be able to limit the impact.”

Norovirus can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, body aches, a general run-down feeling, and a mild fever. Symptoms typically begin 24 to 48 hours after swallowing the virus, and usually last one to two days. The virus passes from one person to another by the fecal-oral route. That means the virus comes from the feces or vomit of people who are sick or were recently sick, and can make someone else sick if they get the virus in their mouth and swallow it. A tiny amount of virus can make someone sick.

“Fecal-oral transmission sounds gross, but it’s important for people to understand that they may have gotten their norovirus from food, and that they could pass the virus to others by handling food, even after their symptoms are gone,” Saupe said.

The best way to stop spreading it, therefore, is by thoroughly washing your hands before handling food or eating – and to prevent getting it, try and avoid eating food prepared by someone who is ill, or has recently vomited or had diarrhea.

People should always wash their hands before eating and not eat food prepared by someone who is ill with vomiting or diarrhea. If someone in the household is sick with vomiting or diarrhea, have them use a separate bathroom, if possible. Clean surfaces with soap and water and sanitize with a bleach solution to kill any norovirus that was spread to bathroom or kitchen surfaces. Launder soiled clothing in hot water promptly. Wash hands after helping children in the bathroom or touching surfaces that may have vomit or feces on them.

Thorough handwashing includes washing your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds, rinsing under running water, and drying with a towel. Hand washing helps remove norovirus and other germs from hands.

Other tips include:

• If someone in your household is sick with vomiting or diarrhea, have them use a separate bathroom, if possible.
• Wash your hands after using the toilet.
• Clean surfaces with soap and water and sanitize with a bleach solution to kill any norovirus that was spread to bathroom or kitchen surfaces.
• Promptly wash soiled clothing in hot water.
• Wash your hands after helping children in the bathroom or touching surfaces that may have vomit or feces on them.

People can report suspected outbreaks of norovirus illness – or other food-related illnesses – to the MDH Foodborne Illness Hotline at 1-877-FOOD ILL (366-3455). For more information about norovirus, visit the MDH website at Norovirus Infection.

Sources:

MDH: New Strain Of Norovirus Has Entered Minnesota

1st outbreak of new norovirus strain reported in Minnesota

New strain of norovirus hits Minnesota

 

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