Health Department Educating Nursing Homes about Norovirus Outbreaks

Mar 21, 2008 by Elizabeth Ziegler

(KCPW News) A new health department program is targeting norovirus outbreaks in Salt Lake's nursing homes. Norovirus is a common, highly contagious type of stomach bug that is particularly hard to kill, says Salt Lake Valley Health Department epidemiologist Linda Bogdanow.

"Nursing homes in particular, one reason why they are very unique compared to some other like say schools settings or day cares and such, is of course it's a high-risk population, but they also spend so much time together," Bogdanow says. "They eat in the same dining room, they are sleeping close by, they share the same ventilation, and they are there for a prolonged period of time. But it could just take over a facility."

Bogdanow says the very young, and those with compromised immune systems are also particularly at risk of contracting norovirus. They could suffer complications such as dehydration, but she says it is rarely deadly. Because of the risk of prolonged outbreaks in nursing home facilities, the health department is sending out environmental health scientists to talk with administrators from every nursing home in Salt Lake County. They'll receive information about how to prevent and contain a norovirus outbreak. This, Bogdanow says, begins with simple cleanliness.

"Just basic hygienic practices for all. And that would be: Good hand washing, 20 seconds with soap and water; stay home when you're sick. And don't prepare food when you're ill," she says.

Each year, the health department launches similar outreach programs to educate the public about West Nile Virus and cryptosporidiosis. Click here for more information on norovirus.

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