Memo on Norovirus at Durham VA Hospital

The Durham VA hospital has confirmed an outbreak of norovirus among patients and staff. We are therefore taking aggressive steps to prevent the spread of the virus to hospitals and other facilities within the Duke University Health System.

The symptoms to watch for are acute onset of diarrhea and/or vomiting.

Typically, the illness lasts two to five days. In most cases the disease resolves on its own. The very old, very young and immunocompromised are increased risk for complications such as dehydration and prolonged hospitalization.

Norovirus is spread from person to person, usually by the hands after contact with a contaminated surface or with an infected person.

We have taken these steps, effective immediately:

Staff

· All staff should wash hands, between every patient contact, with soap and water. Alcohol based foam and other products are not effective against the norovirus.

· Any staff member with symptoms of diarrhea should not work or have patient contact until cleared by EOHS.

· Employees should not return to work until they have been without symptoms for 48 hours and been cleared by EOHS.

· Managers should monitor staff for complaints of diarrhea and gastroenteritis.

· Environmental Services is switching to a bleach-based cleaning agent for patient rooms .

· Limit staff gatherings (group lunches, social events) and movement between hospitals.

· Staff who care for patients at both the VA hospital and other hospitals at DUHS should perform vigorous handwashing to prevent spreading norovirus between hospitals.

Patients

· Patients with acute diarrhea (which has begun within the past week) or gastroenteritis should be placed on contact isolation.

· Patients with acute diarrhea should have stool samples sent to microbiology for detection of norovirus.

· Use disposable materials whenever possible (such as bed pans and urinals) for patients with acute diarrhea.

· Patients entering the ED will be screened for symptoms.

· Patients and families are requested to discourage and limit visitors.

· Letters will be distributed to patients and families to notify them of precautions.

Visitors

· Visitors should be informed to avoid the hospital if they have

diarrhea or GI symptoms

· Signs will be placed at the entrance of each inpatient unit to

educate family and visitors re symptoms of norovirus

· Visitors should be instructed to wash hands with soap and water

before entering and leaving patient rooms.