TACKLING THE DREADED NOROVIRUS
The outbreak of norovirus at the International Athletics Championship this summer highlighted the
need to maximise hand hygiene in leisure and hospitality venues. Amelia Baker from global hygiene brand Tork looks at how norovirus is spread – and whether it can be avoided.
The number of news reports relating to the norovirus has been gradually increasing over the past few years.
A particularly high-profile outbreak occurred this summer when more than 40 athletes taking part in the International Athletics Championship in London came down with suspected cases of the virus.
Competitors staying at a central London hotel were hit and chaos ensued as some athletes had to be quarantined; others were relocated and several more had to pull out of events or were forced to compete while still experiencing debilitating symptoms.
Also this summer, at least 91 passengers on a cruise ship in Queensland, Australia, were hit by
42 | LEISURE & HOSPITALITY
a suspected outbreak of norovirus. Passengers on board the Sun Princess cruise to the South Pacific in August began falling ill at the start of their 10-day voyage and the trip ended in misery for many.
And last November, Mexican restaurant chain Wahaca shut nine of its London outlets after a suspected outbreak of the virus. Public Health England launched an investigation after 205 members of staff and 160 customers fell ill after visiting Wahaca restaurants in locations including Canary Wharf, Covent Garden, Oxford Circus and Soho.
According to the US Centres for Disease Control, norovirus is now the most common cause of acute
gastroenteritis worldwide. The virus, which causes vomiting and diarrhoea, is responsible for 685 million cases globally each year and new strains emerge every two to four years. And according to last year’s figures it appears to be on the increase in the UK. Data released by Public Health England last December revealed a 9% rise in cases during the winter to date compared with the previous year’s figures.
Commonly known as the winter vomiting bug, norovirus is most likely to occur between December and February in countries north of the equator and from June to August in the southern hemisphere. It is often associated with hospitals and care homes because immuno-compromised patients
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