Jan 8, 2008 8:49 am US/Eastern
Norovirus Strikes At 3 Boston Hospitals
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
Public health officials are urging hospitals to do a better job of promoting hand-washing after dozens of people were sickened by the norovirus at three Boston hospitals in recent weeks.
The Boston Globe reports that at Massachusetts General Hospital, 31 staffers and 13 patients fell ill with the gastrointestinal disease -- which causes vomiting and diarrhea but generally leaves no lasting health effects.
Brigham and Women's Hospital reported that eight patients and 22 staff members contracted norovirus. And an outbreak at a Children's Hospital day care facility left 33 children and adults sick.
While the virus is difficult to stop entirely, experts say hospitals can slow its spread by encouraging employees to vigorously wash their hands with alcohol-based gel or soap after treating patients.
Each hospital has also been cleaned with a bleach-based cleaning agent.
The virus is commonly passed from person to person by touch, or through food.
The best way to protect yourself from the virus is to wash your hands and avoid close contact with anyone who has it.
If you do get it, avoid food and instead drink plenty of fluids, especially rehydration solutions like Gatorade.
To find out more about strains of the norovirus
click here.
(© 2008 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
