If you’ve ever heard someone complain about a “stomach flu” or “food poisoning” right after a meal, chances are very good that what they may have experienced is what The Center for Disease Control has identified as the leading cause of food-bourne illness in the USA: the Norovirus. Highly contagious, this tiny virus can run a rampant course through whole populations of people, especially those located in confined environments where food is served such as hospitals, nursing homes, cruise ships, college dormatories, and dining establishments. The Norovirus produces stomach-flu like symptoms, accompanied by fever, cramps, vomiting and diarreha. While it may last from 1 to 3 days, in vulnerable populations such as the young, those who are ill and the elderly, it can kill without restraint.
When a Norovirus outbreak occurs in public environments such as these, it can turn an institution or a business into “crisis mode”, for the virus is so very contagious that every measure of deep-cleaning and disinfection must be done to prevent further rapid contamination.The Norovirus accounts for 65% of all hospital closings in the US. Exposing patients who many already be vulnerable to infection to this virus is the last thing medical professionals want in their care facilities. Every year, outbreaks of the Norovirus on cruise ships are recorded, and just this month alone, 2 ships in Florida and 1 sailing out of New Orleans had to be called back into port for stem-to-stern deep cleaning. In these 3 instances alone, over 200 people became infected. In San Francisco, a prestigious private high school was closed for 3 days at the beginning of February while specialized crews in hazardous material gear worked around the clock to clean all of the facilities surfaces due to an outbreak of the Norovirus which sickened over 300 people.
In order to combat such a pernicious virus, we need to understand how it is spread in the first place. Noroviruses are found in the vomit and stool of infected people. One can become infected by ingesting food or drinking water contaminated with the virus, and once it enters the body, the virus infects rapidly. Most people overcome the virus in a couple of days, but they may continue to spread the infection for as long as 3 weeks, even after their symptoms are long past.
Secondly, there are several steps which we can take to create clean, safe working environments so that illnesses such as the Norovirus does not flourish and spread:
~If you are a food service industry professional and you are ill with stomach flu-like symptons, make an appointment to see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis. If you are deemed infected with Norovirus, do not re-enter your work environment until your doctor says that it is safe to do so.
~Consistent, frequent hand washing is an effective means of counteracting the spread of the Norovirus. Wash your hands every time you use a toilet. Always wash your hands prior to food preparation.Use plenty of clean water and soap, washing your hands for at least 20 seconds, rinsing completely, and drying your hands with clean wipes. Hand sanitizer containing at least 62% ethyanol has been shown to be effective against the virus, but is only a stop-gap measure until you can wash your hands properly.
~Make sure that all of the food you prepare has been well cleaned and carefully rinsed prior to usage.
~Make sure that all counter tops and surfaces in your food preparation environment are cleaned and disinfected on a regular, consistent basis. Use bleach based cleaners, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
~Launder all clothing and towels used in food preparation after use. Machine wash with bleach based products and machine dry.
Remember, one person infected with Norovirus working in a cruise ship kitchen is all it took to sicken over 300 passengers recently. Vigilance and care will serve you well in your food service profession, but moreover, it takes continuing education to keep you up to date on the latest in food safety, and our staff at A Training Company will help increase your knowledge and confidence.
A Training Company 