Norovirus Outbreak Linked To
Illegally Operating Caterer
December 17, 2008
Source of Article: http://www.wxii12.com/health/18298258/detail.html
WINSTON-SALEM -- State
health officials are cautioning North Carolinians about food-borne illness,
after three confirmed norovirus outbreaks, one of
which was linked to a caterer operating illegally
from her home in the western Piedmont, have
sickened more than 50 people and affected at least nine counties.
Locally, those counties include Forsyth, Caldwell,
and some parts of the western Piedmont.
Last week, Forty-two residents and workers at The Oaks At Forsyth
nursing home on Bethesda Road
became ill after a virus outbreak was reported at the facility. The outbreak
at The Oaks was not related to the illegal catering service, Forsyth County
Health Director Dr. Tim Monroe said.
Noroviruses are a group of viruses that
cause the "stomach flu" or gastroenteritis, and cannot be seen or
tasted but spread easily from person to person, according to health officials.
“More than a million North Carolinians
experience a norovirus-related illness each year,”
said State Health Director Leah Devlin. “Food is a major part of the holidays
for many people, and I want to remind everyone of steps they can take to
prepare, serve and enjoy the food more safely during this season."
Linda Means, communicable disease nursing supervisor at the Forsyth
County Health Department, said last week that the outbreak at The Oaks
carried all the signs of a norovirus outbreak
common in nursing facilities.
Means said the virus was most common during the colder part of the
season and said strict hand washing was the most effective way to prevent its
spread.
Terry Pierce, director of the Division of Environmental Health, said
that residents who hire caterers for holiday parties should be especially
careful, and need to make sure the caterers are properly permitted or
licensed.
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