BRITAIN: TWO MILLION STRUCK DOWN BY NOROVIRUS

January 8, 2008

BRITAIN: TWO MILLION STRUCK DOWN BY NOROVIRUS http://www.rumormillnews.com/cgi-bin/forum.cgi?read=116581

Posted By: Guarded_Optimist <Send E-Mail>Monday, 7 January 2008, 12:02 a.m.

Keep an eye on this one. Looks like a nasty stomach bug is going around in Britain, notably worse than the normal seasonal flu. Also notice below where the virus appeared earlier this week on a cruise ship. I feel that cruise ships, among other things, have been used in the past as laboratories, testing the effects of created viruses and whatnot. So where will it ultimately spread? http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article3126491.ece January 3, 2008 Two million struck down by norovirus Hannah Fletcher and agencies Up to 200,000 people a week are being struck down by a violent stomach bug sweeping Britain, in what the Health Protection Agency has confirmed is the worst outbreak of norovirus in five years. So far this winter around two million people have fallen ill with the virus, more commonly known as winter sickness bug. This is twice the number of cases seen last year and the highest number since 2002. But the HPA gave warning that the true number of norovirus sufferers could be much higher. Although doctors across the country have reported that they are being inundated with cases, many people will not have visited their GP. Professor Steve Field, chair of the Royal College of GPs, said the number of new cases each week could be more than 200,000. “Surgeries and hospitals have been swamped with people wanting advice,” he said. The Royal College of GPs warned those infected with norovirus, which causes vomiting and diarrhoea, not to return to work or school as the holiday period comes to an end. They should also stay away from hospitals and surgeries and instead phone in for medical advice to avoid spreading the bug. Professor Field said: "Wash your hands regularly so you don't infect anyone else and stay at home two days after the symptoms have gone." The bug is easily transmitted through contact with an infected person, contaminated food or water, and even contaminated objects or surfaces. Earlier this week, the virus swept through the Queen Victoria cruise ship as it headed to the Canary Islands, infecting around 80 passengers. More than a dozen hospitals have reported cases of norovirus and NHS Direct said that vomiting and diarrhoea were among the top five complaints it has received in the last two months. (snip) Article continues: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article3126491.ece