‘Cruise Ship’ stomach flu virus hit the area hard

By Karin Burke | The Daily Journal

Published Thursday, January 25, 2007

The first few weeks after the holidays are typically ones in which more people become ill. Flu season is something that health care providers, parents, and school nurses have come to expect. Following the rush and long hours, and oftentimes the stress, of the holidays, people are worn down and more prone to viral infections. This year, the flu bug struck the area in the form of the stomach flu.

Acute gastrointestinitis, AKA the stomach flu, struck the area particularly hard this year, according to Kristi Wentworth, nurse at Fergus Falls senior high school. “Gastroenteritis is what usually causes “stomach flu”, with its nausea, diarrhea, and stomach cramps”, she said. “And it’s easily passed between kids.”

Bonnie Laplant, nurse at Fergus Falls Medical Group, P.A., also noted the high numbers of stomach flu this season. “It’s a sticky-type virus, which means that it is easily passed between people, especially kids. Quick handwashing isn’t enough to keep the virus off.” she said.

The stomach complaints that many health care providers saw this season were typical of what is called a “noro virus”. The virus is also called Norwalk virus, viral gastroenteritis, or “cruise ship virus”. These nomikers have cropped up in recent years as the virus proved itself fond of attacking groups, such as the schoolchildren of Norwalk, Ohio, or the passengers of cruise ships. Whatever the name, the virus is second only to the common cold in the number of people they make ill each year, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention statistics.

In addition to nausea, vomiting and watery diarrhea, symptoms may include fever, stomachache, and headache. Symptoms usually begin 4 to 48 hours after contact with the virus is made, and can last from 1 to 10 days.

Most people who become sick with the virus recover quickly and have no further complications, according to Diane Thorson of Otter Tail County Public Health. “Antibiotics aren’t usually necessary. It’s just important to give yourself rest and time, and to make sure that you stay hydrated” she said. Hydration issues are particularly important for the young and the elderly.

Because the virus is contagious, much like colds or other flu, hand washing remains the best way to reduce the risk of infection. Thorson suggests that people wash their hands thoroughly, singing “Happy Birthday” twice in a row; teaching this to children helps ensure they are spending the time to really get their hands clean.

“Fortunately, this week the numbers (of sick people) seem to be dropping.” said Kristi Wentworth. “Knock on wood, but hopefully our post-holiday rush is over.”