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  • Norovirus get's deadly

    This is the second fatal case I've read in as many days from the UK

    GIRL DIES OF WINTER SICK BUG
    By Greig Box

    A GIRL of 15 died after her school was hit by the winter vomiting bug.
    Parents were warned to watch for symptoms of the contagious illness after the unnamed girl died in hospital.
    In a letter to parents Philippa Nunn, head of Holt School in Wokingham, Berks, called her death "tragic".
    A number of pupils at the state girls' school have been absent in recent weeks with flulike symptoms. It follows outbreaks of norovirus, also known as winter vomiting bug, across the country.
    Thousands missed school this week. Nearly 30 schools in Birmingham, the West Midlands, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire closed after staff and children suffered symptoms including violent vomiting, diarrhoea and fever.
    And the Health Protection Agency said outbreaks of the influenza B strain - characterised by aches and pains, high temperatures and nausea - have also occurred across the country.

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    Laurence Knight, of the HPA, said: "The situation has not improved and in places is getting worse."

    http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/tm_obje...name_page.html

  • #2
    Re: Norovirus get's deadly

    Here is the other case.

    Mystery as 'vibrant' Yorkshire girl killed by vomiting illness
    Lizzie Murphy
    A FIVE-year-old Yorkshire girl died suddenly less than 24 hours after contracting a vomiting bug.
    Zaina Haroon, a pupil at Allerton Primary School, Bradford, started feeling ill on Saturday, and her parents thought it was because of a bug similar to one she had had before.
    But in the early hours of Sunday morning, she collapsed and died at home, despite desperate attempts to save her by her parents and paramedics.
    An inquest into Zaina's death has been opened and adjourned but the cause of death has not yet been established.
    Her funeral, which was held at the Toller Lane Mosque in Bradford on Wednesday, was attended by around 400 mourners.
    A nursery building at the school in Garforth Street, Allerton, was due to close today for a thorough cleaning after an outbreak of sickness there, but headteacher Sharon Lambert yesterday stressed that Zaina was not a pupil at the nursery and that the sickness outbreak was not connected to her death.
    Zaina's devastated father, Haroon Rashid, yesterday spoke for the first time of his heartbreak at losing his "joyful and vibrant" daughter.
    He said: "The day before she died she wasn't feeling well ? she didn't eat anything and she was vomiting a lot.
    "We thought she just had a bug because she would fall ill with the same symptoms every six months and normally it would pass after 24 hours.
    "We had taken her to the doctors before but they couldn't say why she would fall ill ? they just put it down to her being susceptible to these things every so often."
    Mr Rashid added: "She had the same symptoms this time and during the night she was restless so she slept with my wife, Umber, in our bed.
    "My wife called me at 2am to say she was getting really restless so I went in to comfort her. At 4am my wife called me again. She had been helping Zaina out of bed to go to the toilet but as she did so Zaina collapsed on the floor."
    Mr Rashid, a Bradford accountant, said he called an ambulance but Zaina died despite attempts to resuscitate her at home and at Bradford Royal Infirmary.
    Speaking at the family home in Chellow Lane, Allerton, Mr Rashid, who has two other children ? four-year-old Danish and a nine-month-old baby, Maryam ? said he had taken down all the photographs of Zaina from around the house and put them in her room because he could not bear to see them.
    Fighting back the tears, Mr Rashid, 34, told how he had watched his daughter in a school assembly about the alphabet last Friday, where Zaina had explained one of the letters. She had also made him a birthday card for his birthday last Saturday, the day she became ill.
    He added: "She was joyful and vibrant. She loved drawing and writing letters. She wrote letters to me and her mum telling us how much she loved us.
    "Our whole lives have been turned upside down ? she was just so wonderful and now there is a massive void. I can't bear to go into her room and see things that remind me of her."
    Headteacher Sharon Lambert said: "The thoughts of the whole school community are with the family at this very distressing time.
    "A special assembly was held in her memory and to celebrate the joy this pupil brought to our school.
    She added: "The closing of the nursery is not linked to the pupil's tragic death."
    A spokesman for Bradford Health Protection Unit said yesterday there was nothing to suggest that Zaina's death was linked to the outbreak of sickness at the nursery.
    He added that the unit was monitoring the nursery and the outbreak appeared to be under control.
    lizzie.murphy@ypn.co.uk
    10 February 2006

    http://www.yorkshiretoday.co.uk/View...icleID=1347457

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    • #3
      Re: Norovirus get's deadly



      Odd bit of trivia.

      How do you get it?

      Noroviruses enters the body by the oral route and travels to the small intestine through the stomach. Virus replication occurs in the mucosal epithelium of the small intestine. This results in the broadening and flattening of the villi, damaging mucosal epithelial cells. Noroviruses do not appear to infect the cells of the large intestine. The exact binding site that Noroviruses attach to the epithelial cells is still being investigated. It is most likely that Noroviruses bind to a very specific cellular surface protein, which is not being expressed in animal models or cell lines.
      New research suggests that there is a connection between Norovirus infection and a person?s blood type. A, B, and O phenotypes are determined by the presence or absence of carbohydrate antigens on glycolipids and glycoproteins found on the surface of mucosal epithelia as well as RBC?s. In this study, individuals with type O phenotype were found to be most susceptible to Norovirus infection. Individuals who express type B antigen (B and AB phenotypes) were at decreased risk of infection. When these B and AB phenotypes were infected, they were more likely to be asymptomatic.

      http://microbiology.mtsinai.on.ca/bu.../nor-dis.shtml

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      • #4
        Re: Norovirus get's deadly

        The UK is beset with 'mystery illnesses', and has been since shortly after the Siberian version (the one that affects children who swim in lakes etc) migrated.

        I'm happy to belive that Norwalk is the cause of all these strange illnesses, if a doctor can tell me that it's perfectly normal for Norwalk to be found in schools across the country in short order. That the authorities have suddenly discovered that pupils didn't get flu B and Norwalk at the same time in multiple schools (and that it's normal for Norwalk to be H2H).

        Personally I think this is H5N1 via the water in North Wales and has been spread H2H since then (adults less affected than children). Then again, I'm just a nutter who likes beer. If I stayed out of the pub more, I might even have the time to make a reasoned argument for the above.

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        • #5
          Re: Norovirus get's deadly

          14 February 2006
          WINTER VOMITING BUG AT NEW HIGH
          Mutated viral strain is spreading faster, professor warns
          By Natalie Walker
          RECORD numbers of Scots hospital patients have been hit by the winter vomiting bug.
          Cases shot up by 17 per cent to 1552 last year, according to Health Protection Agency for Scotland figures.
          Health expert Professor Hugh Pennington warned that the bug, which causes vomiting, severe stomach cramps and diarrhoea, had mutated into more a powerful strain able to spread faster.
          He said: "It is likely there has been a new strain or a couple of new strains that have taken off.
          "These would be responsible for at least some of the increase."
          He added that the figures highlighted the importance of keeping hospitals clean.
          And he estimated that the total number of people suffering from the winter vomiting bug was likely to be 100 times higher than the figures revealed.
          He explained that many people with the virus were not in hospital and many did not visit their GPs for help.
          He said: "When someone gets this at home the symptoms tend only to last a day or so and people are usually too ill to go to their GPs.
          "By the time they are better, the worst is over. Also, there is nothing GPs can give them. It is a case of resting and taking water. "When the bug is in hospital, it is far more serious. It can spread very, very fast among people who are already sick. "It can last many days in them and prevent them from recovering from the illnesses they are already in hospital for."
          A spokeswoman for the Scottish Executive said that overall hospital-acquired infection rates were falling.
          She said: "We have national awareness-raising campaigns in place to remind people of the importance of hand-washing and other hygiene measures to prevent the spread of these infections.
          "These include our &#163;15million comprehensive infection-control campaign, which aims to raise public and NHS staff's awareness of measures to prevent the spread of infection."

          http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/tm...name_page.html

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: Norovirus get's deadly

            http://www.hexham-courant.co.uk/news...aspx?id=331956

            Virus shuts down school
            Published on 15/02/2006

            A SCHOOL in Tynedale was closed on Tuesday after half of its 22 pupils were struck down by a suspected virus.

            West Woodburn First School, near Otterburn, was closed for the week after the pupils, and two members of staff, developed signs of Parvovirus B19, or ?slapped cheek syndrome?.

            The virus is highly infec tious and can cause a rash, fever, nausea and flu-like symptoms.

            On Tuesday acting head teacher Susan Beavers said: ?Nearly half the pupils and two members of staff at the school are off with suspect ed cases of the virus.

            ?We have conferred with the chair of governors and have taken the decision to close for the rest of the week.

            ?We liaised with parents to make transport arrange ments and all of the chil dren have now gone home.?

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            • #7
              Re: Norovirus get's deadly

              Right now, donated blood undergoes several tests, including tests for HIV, West Nile virus, and Hepatitis B. Screening for the human parvovirus (designated B19) and the Chagas disease may soon be added to the testing menu.

              http://www.kfoxtv.com/news/7055710/detail.html

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: Norovirus get's deadly

                http://www.gm.tv/index.cfm?articleid=19170

                A winter vomiting bug is making thousands of Britons ill - Dr Hilary explains how to minimise the risk of infection

                Thousands of parents across the UK are nursing their sick child as the winter vomiting and flu bugs continue to take a grip.

                NHS Direct, a 24-hour helpline, has reported a 10 percent increase in the number of calls they've received since the end of January.

                Norovirus
                The vomiting bug, which is officially called Norovirus, made the headlines recently in the Midlands when a number of schools were closed.

                It has settled there mainly because the children are not at school this week, but the area is now struggling with the Flu B virus (influenza).

                Noroviruses are a group of viruses that are the most common cause of gastroenteritis (stomach bugs) in England and Wales. In the past noroviruses have also been called 'winter vomiting viruses'.
                How is it spread?
                It can be transmitted easily by:
                • Contact with an infected person.
                • Consuming contaminated food or water.
                • Contact with contaminated surfaces or objects.
                What are the symptoms?
                • The symptoms of norovirus infection will begin around 12 to 48 hours after becoming infected.
                • The illness is self-limiting and the symptoms will last for 12 to 60 hours.
                • They will start with the sudden onset of nausea followed by projectile vomiting and watery diarrhoea.
                • Some people may have a raised temperature, headaches and aching limbs.
                • Most people make a full recovery within 1-2 days, however some people (usually the very young or elderly) may become very dehydrated and require hospital treatment.
                Why causes these outbreaks?
                • Norovirus often causes outbreaks because it is easily spread from one person to another and the virus is able to survive in the environment for many days.
                • Because there are many different strains of norovirus and immunity is short-lived, outbreaks tend to affect more than 50% of susceptible people.
                • Outbreaks usually tend to affect people who are in semi-closed environments such as hospitals, nursing homes and schools.
                What about Flu B?
                The most common symptoms of influenza are an abrupt onset of fever, shivering, headache, muscle ache and dry cough.

                Most people confuse influenza with a heavy cold, however it is usually a more severe illness which is caused by other respiratory viruses.

                What precautions can I take to minimise the risk of infection?

                Usually the answer is to rest, drink plenty of fluids and take analgesics such as paracetamol.
                GMTV's Dr Hilary Jones says vomiting sickness has been particularly bad this winter, but he says it's probably under reported because not everyone goes to their doctor for help.

                He advices worried parents to prevent their child becoming dehydrated by keeping the fluids going. If after a few days the symptoms persist they should go back and see their GP.

                In terms of minimising the risk, try taking the following precautions:
                • Avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth with your hands.
                • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after going to the toilet, preparing food and before eating.
                • Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces frequently touched by different people i.e. door and cupboard handles.
                • Use bleach-based cleaners to decontaminate surfaces.
                • Pour bleach down your toilet regularly ? especially if a family member is vomiting or has diarrhoea.
                <STYLE> .boldwhite { color : #FFFFFF; font-weight : bold;} a.arhslink_ADAM:link, a.arhslink_ADAM:visited, a.arhslink_ADAM:active, a.arhslink_ADAM:hover, a.arhslink_ADAM:focus, a.arhslink_ADAMmedia:link, a.arhslink_ADAMmedia:visited, a.arhslink_ADAMmedia:active, a.arhslink_ADAMmedia:hover, a.arhslink_ADAMmedia:focus {color : #000000; font-weight : normal; text-decoration : underline;} a.arhslink_ADAM:hover, {text-decoration : none;} </STYLE>

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                • #9
                  Re: Norovirus get's deadly

                  [QUOTE=Susan]This is the second fatal case I've read in as many days from the UK

                  GIRL DIES OF WINTER SICK BUG
                  By Greig Box

                  A GIRL of 15 died after her school was hit by the winter vomiting bug.
                  Parents were warned to watch for symptoms of the contagious illness after the unnamed girl died in hospital.
                  In a letter to parents Philippa Nunn, head of Holt School in Wokingham, Berks, called her death "tragic".
                  A number of pupils at the state girls' school have been absent in recent weeks with flulike symptoms. It follows outbreaks of norovirus, also known as winter vomiting bug, across the country.
                  Thousands missed school this week. Nearly 30 schools in Birmingham, the West Midlands, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire closed after staff and children suffered symptoms including violent vomiting, diarrhoea and fever.
                  And the Health Protection Agency said outbreaks of the influenza B strain - characterised by aches and pains, high temperatures and nausea - have also occurred across the country.

                  I live about 5 miles from this school, our local paper has called it an unexplained death, but not norovirus, they are still awaiting tests to see what it was (flu related definately). Poor family.

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: Norovirus get's deadly

                    Shock as schoolgirl dies from mystery illness <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=headerTable cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=* border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>Feb 15 2006

                    </TD></TR><TR><TD>
                    </TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2>By Vicky Huntley
                    </TD></TR></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=400 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD colSpan=3> </TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3>
                    THE 15-year-old Wokingham schoolgirl killed by a mystery bug has been described as a "Little Miss Chatterbox" by her grieving family.
                    Popular Holt School pupil Jodie Mettrick died in hospital last Wednesday after falling victim to a brief illness.
                    Her distraught family said she suddenly fell ill with what doctors first thought were symptoms of tonsillitis, but what may have been the winter vomiting bug.
                    Jodie was kept home from school for several days last week and put on a course of antibiotics after becoming unwell.
                    But her condition deteriorated rapidly and she was rushed to hospital.


                    Doctors battled to save her but she tragically died.

                    Her heartbroken family in Durham Close, Woosehill, Wokingham, paid tribute to the pretty schoolgirl.

                    A relative said: "Jodie was our Little Miss Chatterbox, always smiling and happy. She lit up our lives and we will love her forever.

                    "Jodie was a very happy, funloving girl. She was really sociable and had lots of friends.

                    "She was a typical teenage girl, interested in music and her make-up and she travelled a lot. She went to New York and Corfu last year.

                    "She wanted to go to Bracknell and Wokingham College. She was very interested in travel and possibly wanted to become an air stewardess.

                    "We have received scores of cards and kind wishes from so many people who knew her. Reading their messages reminds us of how beautiful she was.

                    "Jodie was a very happy student - everybody adored her. She was so bubbly and giggly. It is her smile that will be remembered the most."

                    Jodie's dad Lawrence, mum Bridget, 40, and 16-year-old sister Katie, were too upset to talk about her death.
                    </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
                    http://icberkshire.icnetwork.co.uk/0...name_page.html

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                    • #11
                      Re: Norovirus get's deadly

                      Fri Feb 17, 2006
                      Spike in gastroenteritis cases
                      RJR News is now receiving reports of a 40 per cent increase in the number of cases of gastroenteritis since the start of the year.

                      This is in comparison to the corresponding period last year.

                      So far the Ministry of Health says it has recorded over 3,000 cases in children.

                      The Ministry adds that last year's figure showed that more than half the children affected over the January to February period were over five years old.

                      The Ministry is reminding parents and caregivers to take precautions in preventing and treating gastroenteritis cases.

                      These include not giving anti-diarrhoeal medication to children under 12, and mothers who are breast feeding should continue.

                      It says diarrhoea should also be allowed to run its course.

                      Dehydration can be prevented by replacing the fluid lost with coconut water, cool boiled water, or oral rehydration fluids.

                      Children must be taken to the hospital or health centre immediately if running belly continues or worsens.

                      Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines resulting in frequent vomiting and diarrhoea.

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: Norovirus get's deadly

                        Nasty Illnesses Going Around The Mid-South
                        Posted: 2/17/2006 5:16:31 PM

                        Video

                        The Memphis Shelby County Health Department is waiting for test results on a stomach virus that's hitting kids hard.

                        Thursday Saint Francis Catholic School in Cordova closed early. 30 students and 13 staff members either got sick suddenly, or had children who did.

                        Doctors don't know what type of virus it is, but one thing being thrown around is the Norwalk Virus. It's a virus found in fecal matter or vomit of an infected person, and it can be easily spread when that stuff gets on toys, utensils, and even kitchen counters.

                        Stomach viruses and flu like symptoms have also hit Selmer, Tennessee, according to health care workers at Prime Care Medical Center.

                        In Holly Springs, Mississippi, the ****rell Family Medical Center is seeing flu, sinusitis and upper respiratory infections.

                        Dr. McIntire from Baptist Minor Medical Center in Cordova is also seeing upper respiratory infections and some flu.

                        At Baptist Hospital in Southaven, Mississippi, Dr. Thompson is seeing pneumonia.

                        Dr. Farooq from the Oakland Clinic in Oakland, Tennessee is seeing sinusitis, bronchitis and pharyngitis, a throat infection.

                        Dr. McKenzie from Baptist Minor Medical Center in Midtown Memphis is seeing strep throat.

                        Dr. Balke's office in Marianna, Arkansas also says she's seeing a lot of vomiting and diarrhea from school aged children.

                        The best way to prevent it is to wash your hands frequently, and disinfect any contaminated surfaces like kitchen counters or eating utensils, or in the schools case, desks and chairs.

                        "What's Going Around" is a partnership with Baptist Minor Med clinics and other local doctors.

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