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<TABLE cellSpacing=5 cellPadding=5 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top colSpan=2>Uploaded: Monday, April 19, 2010, 10:55 AM
Hyatt Classic hit with likely norovirus outbreak
County health department to review precautions during visit
</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top colSpan=2>by Chris Kenrick
Palo Alto Online Staff
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Several residents in the assisted living section of Palo Alto's Classic Residence by Hyatt were placed in isolation over the weekend following a suspected outbreak of norovirus, family members said.
A county public health nurse was to visit the facility today (Monday) to review precautions against spread of the illness, which causes diarrhea, vomiting, possible low-grade fever and headache.
Hyatt managers contacted the Santa Clara County Department of Public Health about the outbreak on Friday, the health department said, adding that six individuals in a portion of the Hyatt were believed to be affected.
Besides isolating those who are sick, measures in place include particular attention to hand-washing and disinfection of common surfaces such as countertops and door handles, health department spokeswoman Joy Alexiou said.
"We get norovirus throughout the year -- I'd say at least monthly if not even more than once a month -- in schools, summer camps, cafeterias in schools and workplaces.
"It typically happens where a large number of people are served food," Alexiou said, noting that the virus is spread through oral-fecal contact involving microscopic, and sometimes airborne, particles.
A particular concern associated with norovirus is dehydration, she said, especially when the patient is already ill, very young or elderly.
Hyatt Classic officials were not immediately available for comment Monday.
Last June, a similar outbreak closed major portions of the Hyatt, including the dining room, swimming pool and gym, for nine days.
Hyatt Classic hit with likely norovirus outbreak
County health department to review precautions during visit
</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top colSpan=2>by Chris Kenrick
Palo Alto Online Staff
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Several residents in the assisted living section of Palo Alto's Classic Residence by Hyatt were placed in isolation over the weekend following a suspected outbreak of norovirus, family members said.
A county public health nurse was to visit the facility today (Monday) to review precautions against spread of the illness, which causes diarrhea, vomiting, possible low-grade fever and headache.
Hyatt managers contacted the Santa Clara County Department of Public Health about the outbreak on Friday, the health department said, adding that six individuals in a portion of the Hyatt were believed to be affected.
Besides isolating those who are sick, measures in place include particular attention to hand-washing and disinfection of common surfaces such as countertops and door handles, health department spokeswoman Joy Alexiou said.
"We get norovirus throughout the year -- I'd say at least monthly if not even more than once a month -- in schools, summer camps, cafeterias in schools and workplaces.
"It typically happens where a large number of people are served food," Alexiou said, noting that the virus is spread through oral-fecal contact involving microscopic, and sometimes airborne, particles.
A particular concern associated with norovirus is dehydration, she said, especially when the patient is already ill, very young or elderly.
Hyatt Classic officials were not immediately available for comment Monday.
Last June, a similar outbreak closed major portions of the Hyatt, including the dining room, swimming pool and gym, for nine days.
