New Zealand:
ARPHS investigates Norovirus contamination
Friday, 25 July
2008, 9:54 am |
24 July 2008
Source of Article: http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0807/S00131.htm
Auckland Regional Public Health Service investigates Norovirus contamination
of Oysters
The Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) is investigating
incidents involving gastroenteritis linked to the consumption of raw Pacific
Oysters and the grower has recalled potentially affected product.
ARPHS Medical Officer of Health, Dr Greg Simmons says, We have become aware of a number of people displaying symptoms consistent with norovirus infection in the past two weeks. The common link between cases was the consumption of raw Pacific oysters. The oysters were farmed by Pakihi Marine Farms Ltd.
Pakihi Marine
Farms are to be commended for their prompt action. They have fully co-operated
with our investigation and have ceased harvesting from the implicated growing
sites and any remaining implicated batches of oysters have been recalled or
held.
Tests on the remaining oysters have
confirmed norovirus contamination. Until we identify
the source of contamination we are taking a precautionary approach, and all
implicated Clevedon Coast Oyster product, fresh and
frozen, harvested between 30 June and 18 July is being recalled. said Dr
Simmons.
There is other product on the market
currently that is not affected. People can find details of the recalled batches
at http://www.nzfsa.govt.nz/recalls/consumers.htm
Diarrhoea and vomiting are the main features of norovirus infection. Norovirus is a relatively common virus
in the community and can be spread directly from person to person. Practising good hand hygiene is an easy but a very
effective way to prevent infection.
-Ends-
Notes to editor
Symptoms of norovirus infection include nausea,
vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea usually occurs
10 50 hours after consumption of the virus. Headache, fever and chills may
also
Notes to editor
occur. Symptoms usually last from 12 to 72 hours, but some people may be unwell
for longer.
Clean hands are hands that are washed
with soap and water for 20 seconds and thoroughly dried on a clean dry cloth
towel or disposable paper towel for a further 20 seconds.
Be careful when cleaning up after ill
people. Vomit or faeces should be cleaned up using
first a detergent solution then a solution of household chlorine bleach.
While it is not fatal, some adults
with medical conditions may be vulnerable. If your symptoms are severe please
consult with your GP.
Norovirus is easily spread when people
eat food or drink fluids contaminated with the virus.
For a norovirus
fact sheet go to: http://www.arphs.govt.nz/notifiable/downloads/Norovirus1.pdf
-Ends-
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