Norovirus 2016 outbreak update: Suspected stomach flu cases rise in Marshfield, central Wisconsin.
Over 270 people attending an event in Marshfield, central Wisconsin have been potentially exposed to the norovirus. The Wood County Health Department is investigating the 16 cases of post-event illness and trying to uncover whether norovirus is the culprit. Those who have reported illness experienced symptoms common to norovirus such as vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pains.
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The Health Department is reaching out to those who attended the event, which was a company party at a hotel. Officials are still unaware if the virus came from contaminated food or from an infected person who attended the party. So far health officials are not putting blame on the hotel establishment, as they believe the establishment is very clean.
Stool samples are being collected by those who have fallen ill, but it will take quite some time until results are back. In the meantime, it is urged that anyone who attended the party speak to health officials to further the investigation.
University of Rochester norovirus cases reach 141
Previously, we reported on a norovirus outbreak at the University of Rochester, and now officials are reporting 141 cases. Although the number of cases rose quite quickly, they are now slowing down.
University Facilities and SERVPRO professionals are continuing their sanitization efforts in order to reduce the number of cases even further. Hydrogen peroxide wipes were provided to residence hall kitchens, lounges, and lobbies.
Students affected by norovirus should remain in quarantine for at least 48 hours after symptoms have stopped – until then, they are still considered contagious.
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
