Today's word: norovirus.
Symptoms: repeated and violent vomiting, low fever, diarrhea, lethargy, muscle aches, fatigue.
Transmission: mostly aerosolized or in contaminated food/water. Vomiting is an effective vector. As few as 20 particles is sufficient for transmission. High infection rate. Bleach based disinfectant is more effective than alcohol based. Transmission is difficult to control, since someone infected can spread the virus for up to 24 hours before feeling unwell.
Severity: generally non-fatal, duration of 2-7 days. Can be fatal in vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, children and the immuno-compromised, usually via dehydration (approximately 300 deaths per year in US due to norovirus transmission). Makes one pretty miserable, though.
Supportive therapies: clear fluids, BRAT diet, hydration.
Common in group settings, like hospitals and assisted livings, cruise ships and dormitories.
Prevention: paid sick leave for employees, hand washing discipline, food prep sanitizing, salad and shellfish prep.
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