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41 °F Forecast | Road Cams Tuesday, March 16, 2004 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find a Rental Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Email Story to a Friend February 21, 2004 Norwalk virus spreads, health officials warn By JONEL ALECCIA Mail Tribune A nasty, flu-like stomach virus that plagued at least five area medical and retirement centers has spread to the wider community. Between 300 and 500 residents of local care centers likely have been infected with the Norwalk virus, with hundreds of other people affected elsewhere, estimated Gary Stevens, program manager for the Jackson County environmental health division. "That’s the whole point. It’s everywhere," Stevens said Friday. "It’s in the schools, it’s in the workplace." Reports of the virus, also known as the "norovirus," erupted within the last month at five local medical and senior centers. Affected were the Rogue Valley Manor, Linda Vista Care Center, Mountain View Retirement Residence, Waterford at Three Fountains and Ashland Community Hospital. Within days, two classes of Helman Elementary School students who visited the hospital also reported the disorder. An Eagle Point middle school also reported the disease. Advertisement The highly contagious, fast-moving virus strikes suddenly with symptoms that include nausea, stomach cramps and violent diarrhea. Some people also have a low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and general fatigue. Symptoms generally last about one or two days, although people likely are contagious for up to a week after that, Stevens said. There is no prevention or treatment for the virus. "It’s a pretty bad stomach flu," said Terry Shepherd, assistant manager of Mountain View, where about 18 of 122 residents were affected. "When you have it, you know you have it." Three or four elderly residents there were hospitalized for dehydration after contracting the Norwalk virus. It’s particularly debilitating to the very young, the very old and those with compromised immune systems. Health officials are urging the public to take precautions to avoid getting the bug. "Wash your hands!" Stevens urged. He also cautioned friends and family members to avoid visiting care centers affected by the virus. "If they see a sign, heed the sign," he said. People caring for those sick with vomiting and diarrhea should consider wearing masks and gloves. Surfaces should be washed with detergent and then disinfected with a 1-to-10 ratio bleach/water solution. In addition, people who have the norovirus should not prepare food while they have symptoms and for three days after they recover, Stevens noted. While the cause of the latest outbreak is unknown, Stevens said the virus may be carried into retirement centers by visitors or contaminated materials. From there, it can spread rapidly to the wider community, he added. Reach reporter JoNel Aleccia at 776-4465, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2004 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback 3 WEEKS FREE! ADVERTISERS A D V E R T I S E R S RESOURCES Oregon Road Conditions & Cams SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Since We Asked Food for Thought Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Opportunities Prime Times