Winter Vomiting (SRSV) (Norovirus)

Background

(MUH policy[ Intranet only])

Norovirus (NoV)

  • Is a virus that causes one of the commonest forms of gastroenteritis.
  • Up to 5% of the population will develop it each year.
  • Occurs throughout the year but in winter close indoor contact makes spread more likely (”winter vomiting disease”).
  • Outbreaks in hospitals, nursing and residential homes, nurseries, schools, hotels, cruise ships etc

Clinical

  • Incubation period 24 hrs
  • Sudden onset : Vomiting and diarrhoea ± headaches, myalgia, fever, and abdominal pain.
  • Usually full rapid recovery in <48 hours
  • Vomit VERY infectious. Patients continue to shed virus for 48 hours after resolution of symptoms
  • Most at risk: Food handlers, clinicians, children in playgroups or nursery
  • The vomit from someone with NoV is highly infectious.
  • Patients still infectious up to 38hrs after D&V stops

Hygiene

  • Cover vomit immediately and cordon area to prevent further contamination.
  • Cleaner to wear precautions (gloves and apron).
  • Thorough cleaning with hot water and detergent (0.1% hypochlorite (bleach) solution)
  • Dispose of cloths used
  • Similar cleaning of any toilet and hand basin /taps used by infected person (wearing rubber gloves)
  • Always flush the toilet with the seat down.
  • No return to work for 48 hours after symptoms have resolved.

Content drafted by Dr Bartley Cryan 16/03/2004. Reviewed Dr ÍOS 16/05/2005. Last review Dr ÍOS 6/05/15.