Foodborne Disease Outbreak

An investigation was necessary to find the cause of the outbreak, and how to stop it from continuing to spread. The campus clinic was interested in testing the following nine patients: Sue, Jill, Anthony, Wanda, Maggie, Maria, Arnie, Marco, and Alvin. All of the students have similar symptoms and agreed to being tested except for Alvin.

On reflection I have learned by being with the IPCT the importance of sending samples off when the first episode of diarrhoea and vomiting occurs leasing with team members. The IPCT emphasises prompt screening of suspecting patients for a norovirus as early detection of the signs can prevent an outbreak on the ward. I have become aware that the mode of transmission of norovirus means it is not always possible to avoid becoming infected (Nursing Times 2011). The trust provides mandatory training to inform nursing staff on the most recent infection control measures in practice. Hence, good hygiene and the isolation of infected individuals can limit the spread. Good communication is important with all visitors and staff, including cleaners.

The prototype of norovirus was identified in 1968 by electron microscopy as a cause of Gastroenteritis in Norwalk, Ohio. Human noroviruses are a major cause of Epidemic Gastroenteritis, and Epidemic Gastroenteritis is a major cause of foodborne illness. Outbreaks occur throughout the year, but it is most common in the winter. Causes 19-21 million cases of acute gastroenteritis, and contributes to 56,000-71,000 hospitalizations and 570-800 deaths, mostly among young children and older adults. Responsible for 58% of domestically-acquired foodborne illnesses, and about 50% of foodborne disease outbreaks due to known agents.

It has been identified the highest numbered of reported cases were in infants and children up to 14 years of age5. The most common of all disease was campylobacteriosis which was approximately 69% of cases being reported, followed by cryptosporidiosis which was approximately 115 of cases being reported, salmonellosis which was approximately 8% of cases, and verotoxin producing E. coli which was about 5% of the cases

There are many things that could have contributed to all those kids and the chaperones getting sick. Things that could have caused the outbreak are the food handlers not following the correct procedures.Cooking the food enough and having the correct temperature are some of the procedures that the food handlers could have messed up to cause the outbreak.

For the seven interviews that the team conducted, three of the cases had eaten hamburger or ground beef, no cases had drunk raw milk, only one case had traveled outside Michigan, no restaurant or social event was identified in common, all of the cases had consumed lettuce, and six had eaten alfalfa sprouts. Appendix A shows the line listing of people who became ill with E.coli or E.coli symptoms from June 15 to July 15. Based on those findings no obvious linkages between patients were found. Appendix B shows the epidemic curve for this outbreak. The epidemic curve showed that the onset of illness among cases occurred from June to July with largest number occurring on June 22nd. Based on the appendix D, DNA fingerprinting

The Norwalk virus is part of a group called the Noroviruses and caliciruses. It is known to cause gastroenteritis, infection within food, food poisoning, and even the short lived nonbacterial gastroenteritis. It can spread from contaminated water and infected foods. It can even spread anywhere, even on a cruise ship. A pleasant vacation may have some passengers choosing to jump ship, if the Norwalk virus is a passenger on board.

Taking a cruise can be a fun and amazing experience, but what about the hidden illnesses? Many cruises have had the so called Norovirus onboard, and that has kept many people from sailing. I personally think that if the right measures are taken, such as washing your hands and using the utensils when getting the food from the buffet, everything will be okay.

Many people are infected each year by what is known as the stomach flu. Little do you know that the stomach flu is part of the Norwalk Virus. Norwalk Virus also known as Norovirus is an extremely contagious virus. This virus causes your intestines and or stomach to inflame which leads you to have stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, and puking.

Many people are affected each year by what is usually misdiagnosed as the “stomach flu”. The official medical term for this illness is Norovirus, but is also known as Norwalk Virus. It was first seen in 1968 at Bronson Elementary School in Norwalk, Ohio. The first outbreak occurred at the elementary school, infecting 116 of the 223 students and teachers. Norovirus is a contagious virus that can lead to an infection called acute gastroenteritis. Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, which results in diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain. In the United States alone, 19-21 million cases, 56,000-71,000 hospitalizations, and 570-800 deaths are reported each year (CDC).

Noroviruses are the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis in humans, and affect people of all ages. Norovirus infection is characterised by nausea, forceful vomiting, watery diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and in some cases, loss of taste. General lethargy, weakness, muscle aches, headache, and low-grade fever may occur. The disease is usually self-limiting,

Norovirus is the most common cause of gastroenteritis. Infection is characterized by diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain, and fever or headaches may also occur. This usually develops 12 to 48 hours after being exposed. Individuals with norovirus may vomit and have diarrhea many times a day, leading to extreme dehydration, especially in young children, older adults, and people with other illnesses. The recovery typically occurs within 1 to 3 days.

The Black Death can be considered to be the most dangerous disease outbreak in history. When this catastrophic event emerged, no doctor or priest had any idea why it was occurring or where it came from. Today we now know how it spread and the impact of the plague it had on the economy at the time.

Noroviruses are a group of ‘nonenveloped, single-stranded, RNA viruses categorized into the genus Norovirus of the family Caliciviridae.’3 Noroviruses can be divided into at least five ‘genogroups,’ GI—GV; since 2001, GII.4 viruses have been linked with the bulk of ‘viral gastroenteritis outbreaks’ worldwide. 3 The virus ‘replicates’ in the small intestine. Even when symptoms might be severe, they most likely cease without treatment after 1-3 days in normally healthy persons after a 12-48 hour incubation period.3 The ‘virion’ RNA is contagious and serves as both ‘genome’ and viral messenger RNA. The enzyme cysteine proteinase catalyzes the ‘cleavage of ORF1 polyprotein’ which yields the ‘mature nonstructural proteins.’4

Last year, one in six Americans will get sick from food poisoning. Find out what you can do to keep you and your family safe. Food safety is a scientific discipline describing handling, preparation, and storage of food in ways that prevent foodborne illness. From the inspection of domestic product, imports, and exports; conducting risk assessments; and educating the public about the public about the importance of food. USDA continues to product consumers from the dangers of E.coli contamination by adopting of a zero tolerance policy for 6 additional strains of the pathogen in row beef products. Implementation of a (test and hold) policy in the recall to unsafe foods. From green tea to oranges, these seven foods are just what you need to boost your mood. Canned foods are safe indefinitely as long as they are not exposed to freezing temperatures, or temperatures above 90 °F.