It’s that Noro time of year; Veendam outbreak eyeballed by CDC as Eden not a paradise for passengers

It may not be fair to blame the Veendam for the Norovirus outbreak currently underway.  The Los Angeles Times reports that the vomiting and diarrhea disease commonly associated with cruise ships and nursing homes has been circulating in California for much of December of 2015.

‘Winter vomiting disease’ on the rise in California, officials say

From the LA Times: 

In the United States, norovirus is the most common cause of gastroenteritis and is responsible for about 20 million illnesses each year. Between 570 and 800 deaths are reported annually, health officials said.

The illness occurs more frequently in the winter and is so distinctively associated with vomiting that it was given the nickname “winter vomiting disease,” Schaffner said. However, it has also been called the “cruise ship virus.”

One of California’s first outbreaks this year occurred in May, when several patrons and employees at the Sky Room, an upscale Long Beach restaurant, fell ill. The business closed for four days to sanitize the restaurant and bar.

The disease struck again in August at a Ventura County Chipotle restaurant, where an outbreak was believed responsible for sickening more than 60 customers. Managers were forced to shut down the restaurant, throw out the remaining food and disinfect all surfaces.

Most recently, a norovirus outbreak may have sickened as many at 50 students at Chapman University. The gastrointestinal illness was first reported Dec. 2 by several students and grew rapidly.

The Orange County Health Care Agency investigated the cause of the outbreak and one source could have been the school’s only cafeteria, the agency said. The cafeteria was closed and disinfected, the campus was swept down, and the bathrooms and common areas were also cleaned.

In addition to washing hands after every bathroom visit, health officials urged Californians to wash fruits and vegetables before eating them. Officials also said residents should clean and disinfect food preparation equipment and surfaces, and thoroughly cook all meats, fish and poultry.

Unfortunately, one means of trying to prevent illness that many Californians have adopted in recent years will not fend off the virus.

“Hand sanitizers,” Smith said, “are not effective against norovirus.” ....MORE

Investigation Update on the Veendam