Cayman health officials say they are monitoring an ongoing outbreak of norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug, in the US.
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Nick Gent, in response to Cayman Compass queries on the highly contagious virus, said while the outbreaks in the northeast US related to norovirus “are not a direct threat to the Cayman Islands, they do serve as an opportunity for awareness and education within our community”.
“The best protection against norovirus, much like other viruses, continues to be good personal hygiene, especially when it comes to regular and thorough handwashing,” Gent said.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in its advisory on the virus, said it is the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhoea, and food-borne illness in the United States.
“People of all ages can get infected and sick with norovirus, which spreads very easily and quickly,” the CDC said.
Gent said norovirus is highly contagious via person-to-person transmission, “so outbreaks are common in both large population centres, such as major cities, as well as closed communities, like cruise ships”.
At present the Cayman Islands Molecular Biology Laboratory cannot test for norovirus, but Gent said the lab is developing its capacity to be able to do so.
This, he said, “will enhance our ability to monitor local spread should there be a need in future”.
Norovirus is particularly prevalent during the winter months, Gent said.
“Norovirus is also associated with food poisoning, which means that food handlers should not only observe strict personal hygiene practices, but also be excluded from the work place if they are suffering from diarrhoea and/or vomiting,” he added.
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