| Description |
Infection due to norovirus (also known as NLV, SRSV or “Winter Vomiting Disease”) is extremely common –
hospitals have been particularly affected during recent outbreaks of illness due to this virus.
While it is not possible to prevent completely outbreaks due to norovirus, simple interventions can minimise
its effects. Rapid, systematic management of outbreaks following an agreed outbreak plan and supported by
detailed outbreak investigation are important ways of reducing the impact of this virus in hospitals and
residential institutions.
Prompt establishment of an outbreak control team coupled with early communication and the rapid
institution of early control measures are the most effective ways of restricting the extent of outbreaks. A
multidisciplinary approach to preventing and managing outbreaks is recognised as being the most effective
way of focussing resources where they are most needed. Immediate cleaning and decontamination, frequent
handwashing, cohorting of ill patients and exclusion of ill staff are necessary first steps.
Senior hospital management can do much to control the spread of norovirus. Ensuring that ill staff do not
work and guaranteeing that hospital cleaning remains a priority are two of the foremost. Excluding staff from
duty as soon as they become ill and for 48 hours after their last episode of vomiting and/or diarrhoea is
crucial to prevent staff-borne spread of infection.
Thorough hospital cleaning is vital in preventing and controlling outbreaks of illness due to norovirus as well
as many other infectious agents. There should be provision by hospitals and health boards to ensure that
regular cleaning schedules and protocols agreed with infection control professionals are guaranteed and
safeguarded. During outbreaks, these should be enhanced to meet the increased need for cleansing and
decontamination.
This Guidance was developed at the request of the Minister for Health and Children, Mr Micheál Martin and
provides a framework to address the challenge of outbreaks of illness due to norovirus. It is intended for use
and adaptation in hospitals and other healthcare settings. A multidisciplinary Working Group has developed
this Guidance with the valuable assistance of the professionals who deal with these outbreaks on a daily
basis. I am very grateful to all those who have contributed so much of their time, effort and expertise to its
development. |
[5]
Russian
