WASHINGTON – A new report by the Centers for Disease Controls confirmed a new strain of norovirus, which, in Louisiana, “has sickened dozens and forced the closure of some oyster harvest areas. Because the strain is new, few people are immune to it causing more outbreaks,” according to a statement from the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals.
Several oyster beds in Plaquemines and St. Bernard parishes were closed recently due to the norovirus outbreak, though they are being re-opened Thursday and Friday morning respectively, after tests determined them to be safe for harvesting oysters. The beds were closed after tests linked the norovirus outbreak to those beds.
While norovirus outbreaks are common, according to CDC, it is transmitted from person to person, but those infected generally recover within one to two days.
“The CDC name for the new strain, GII.4 New Orleans, includes ‘New Orleans’ in the name because the first confirmed samples came from the Crescent City,” said the statement from DHH.
People can become infected by eating and drinking food contaminated by norovirus, touching objects infected and them touching their mouths and direct contact with someone infected with norovirus.
DHH tips to avoid becoming infected with norovirus:
- Frequently wash your hands, especially after toilet visits and changing diapers and before eating or preparing food.
- Carefully wash fruits and vegetables, and fully cook oysters before eating them.
- Thoroughly clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces immediately after an episode of illness by using a bleach-based household cleaner.
- Immediately remove and wash clothing or linens that may be contaminated with virus after an episode of illness (use hot water and soap).
- Flush or discard any vomitus and/or stool in the toilet and make sure that the surrounding area is kept clean.
