Maine - Norovirus cases 2013

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Source: http://bangordailynews.com/2013/01/0...iting-disease/

Southern Maine hit with outbreaks of ?winter vomiting disease?
By Jackie Farwell, BDN Staff
Posted Jan. 04, 2013, at 1:49 p.m.
Last modified Jan. 04, 2013, at 3:28 p.m.

A nasty stomach virus is making its seasonal appearance in Maine, prompting an advisory from state public health officials.

Since November, the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention has investigated 16 reports of gastroenteritis outbreaks statewide, according to the advisory. Southern Maine saw the majority of outbreaks, with 56 percent arising in York County.

An outbreak consists of two or more ill individuals.

A type of norovirus, also known as ?winter vomiting disease,? was identified as the culprit in half of the outbreaks, the advisory stated. The primary symptoms of norovirus infection are intense bouts of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramping that typically last 24 to 48 hours...

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Re: Maine - Norovirus cases 2013

?Winter vomiting disease? outbreak blamed for 28% absentee rate at East Millinocket schools

By Nick Sambides Jr., BDN Staff
Posted April 05, 2013, at 3:24 p.m.

EAST MILLINOCKET, Maine ? What was likely an outbreak of norovirus left Schenck High and Opal Myrick Elementary schools with 28 percent of students missing classes on Tuesday, one of the higher single-day school absentee rates recorded in Maine this year, officials said Friday.

Two teachers and an estimated 78 students called in sick on Tuesday at the Schenck building, which houses about 280 students, including about 140 from the K-4 school located in one of its wings. School officials believe norovirus was the likely cause, Schenck Principal John Farrington said.

Dr. Stephen Sears, state epidemiologist with the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, called the 28 percent one of the higher single-day absentee rates he has heard of.

More...

http://bangordailynews.com/2013/04/05/health/winter-vomiting-disease-outbreak-blamed-for-28-absentee-rate-at-east-millinocket-schools/