Norovirus Causes Quarantine at New Jersey Nursing Home

EMSL Analytical provides environmental testing services to prevent contagious viruses from causing outbreaks.
 
Cinnaminson, NJ, January 17th, 2012
 
This month, medical professionals at a Hopewell, New Jersey nursing home declared quarantine on the third floor of the center after 34 of the 55 residents came down with the norovirus.  The virus struck quickly and resulted in four residents having to be transported to a nearby hospital.
 
Norovirus illness often begins suddenly and can make infected people feel very sick, with stomach cramping, vomiting and diarrhea. Infections are usually not life threatening and most people recover within a few days.  More severe causes of the infection are possible, particularly in young children, the elderly and people with other health conditions.
 
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Noroviruses (genus Norovirus, family Caliciviridae) are a group of related, single-stranded RNA, non-enveloped viruses that cause acute gastroenteritis in humans. The most common symptoms of acute gastroenteritis are diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Norovirus is the official genus name for the group of viruses previously described as “Norwalk-like viruses” (NLV).  Noroviruses spread from person to person, through contaminated food or water, and by touching contaminated surfaces. Norovirus is recognized as the leading cause of foodborne-disease outbreaks in the United States. Outbreaks can happen to people of all ages and in a variety of settings.” 
 
“The virus is capable of being transmitted by air if dried vomit particles become airborne.  To prevent outbreaks, such as what just occurred at the New Jersey nursing home, it’s important to have effective infectious disease prevention services in place and to test for these viruses in the indoor environment,” stated Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc., an environmental testing laboratory capable of analyzing norovirus samples utilizing PCR techniques.  “If suspected outbreaks do occur testing will help identify the source so appropriate measures can be quickly put in place to prevent additional illnesses.”
 
EMSL has sponsored a video about the norovirus that can be seen at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFxoxW_TdKw
 
The spreading of norovirus has raised alarm during this warm winter. Besides norovirus, there are other pathogens such as MRSA, Salmonella, E.coli O157:H7, Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria can stay alive in air and surfaces. They can be detected and remediated by environmental consultants. EMSL Analytical offers rapid DNA analysis for many pathogens, to learn more please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800)220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com.
 
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public.  The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

Contact Information

Joe Frasca

Senior Vice President, Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

Contact via E-mail