NHS Orkney issues advice on Winter Vomiting Disease
(Story dated: Tuesday, April 4, 2006)

NHS Orkney’s Consultant in Public Health has issued advice following a spate of cases of Winter Vomiting Disease in the county over the last few weeks.

Dr Ken Black stressed that the condition, which causes diarrhoea and vomiting,  is normal for the time of year but has issued guidelines on how to avoid the infection and how to avoid passing it on.

A highly infectious virus known as Norwalk-like virus, or small round structured virus, causes Winter Vomiting Disease.  Most outbreaks occur in the winter months, but it can occur throughout the year.

Although the symptoms are debilitating it is not serious and most people will recover within a few days.

Symptoms

• Nausea, vomiting (which may be projectile), abdominal cramps and diarrhoea.
• Headaches and fever may also occur.
• The symptoms usually last for about 12 to 48 hours, but may last a week or longer.
• It is important to know that people who have had Winter Vomiting Disease are still infectious for 48 hours after the symptoms cease.

Incubation Period

• Usually between 24 – 48 hours

Source of Infection

• The virus that causes Winter Vomiting Disease is found in the gastrointestinal tract (the gut) of humans.

Spread of Infection

Winter Vomiting Disease is highly infectious and is spread easily from person to person.  Only a small number of viruses are needed to cause an infection. 

The following are the most likely ways for the virus to be transmitted:

• Person to person spread, especially where people live or work in close proximity.  The virus can quickly spread through residential homes, hospitals, schools, offices etc.
• The virus can be spread from aerosol droplets when a person with the infection vomits.
• Contaminated surfaces such as toilets, handles and other surfaces.
• Contaminated food and water.

Precautions

As only a small number of viruses are needed to cause an infection, good hand-hygiene is central to reducing the risk of spreading the infection from person to person.

Thorough hand washing before:

• Cooking
• Handling food
• Feeding young children, the elderly and the ill
• Eating

Thorough hand washing after:

• Going to the toilet
• Handling animals
• Changing nappies

Prompt disinfection of contaminated surfaces with household bleach, and washing of soiled clothing helps reduce the chances of spreading the infection

People who have had Winter Vomiting Disease are still infectious for 48 hours after the symptoms stop.  It is therefore very important that people stay at home during the illness and for 48 hours after symptoms cease so that the infection is not passed on to others.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for Winter Vomiting Disease.  People with diarrhoea or vomiting should drink plenty of liquids to prevent dehydration.