Health officials investigating food-borne illness outbreak Jul 22, 2010
Norovirus is a virus that causes acute gastroenteritis, often referred to as stomach flu. The source of the virus is not being named by county officials. (Watertown Daily Times, WI)
GlaxoSmithKline reports 2Q loss on legal costs Jul 22, 2010
"For the quarter, GSK sales were impacted by several individual factors and adverse prior year comparisons. For example, we saw an acceleration of generic competition to Valtrex (treatment for genital herpes) in the U.S.A. and temporary suspension of Rotarix (for gastroenteritis) in the quarter," said Chief Executive Andrew Whitty. GSK said pharmaceutical sales of 5. (USA Today -- Money)
Cruise Passenger Evade Norovirus! ... Jul 20, 2010
Cruise Passenger Evade Norovirus. Tips for a Healthy Cruise. (Suite101.com)
Hotline to dob in the gastro spreaders Jul 18, 2010
The NSW Food authority has investigated several reports of businesses suspected of allowing staff with symptoms of gastroenteritis, such as vomiting and diarrhoea, to handle food or serve customers. Gastric viruses are generally transmitted through touch, while respiratory bugs are also carried in droplets in the air. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Death at World Cup prompts warning for Transplant Games Jul 17, 2010
Phillip Walker, 39, from Lismore, was in Durban to watch the World Cup but developed gastroenteritis while staying with other Australian fans at a tent city at the Kingsmead Oval. Mr Walker, born with the kidney disease Alports syndrome, had represented Australia at several World Transplant Games. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Cheryl Cole leaves intensive care Jul 11, 2010
The Sun reported that Cole was originally thought to have a severe case of gastroenteritis, but later took a turn for the worse and was taken to hospital. Cole went on the trip to Africa with friend and dancer Derek Hough during a break from recording her second album. (BBC News -- Entertainment)
Cole ill with malaria Jul 6, 2010
" Initially, it was believed the 27-year-old singer was suffering from severe exhaustion and gastroenteritis and had been working too hard on the new series of pop star search show 'The X Factor' and on her second solo album. A statement from Cheryl's representative has confirmed she is cancelling all work commitments until she has made a full recovery. The statement read: "Following doctor's advice Cheryl Cole will be cancelling all work commitments for the next week. " BANG Media International... (iAfrica.com)
117 down with gastro in Byculla, Mumbai Jul 3, 2010
Even as monsoon-related ailments in the city are seeing an alarming rise, the BMC hospitals, within 24 hours admitted as many as 117 people with gastroenteritis in Byculla. 00000000. (India Times, India)
Armstrong unfazed by Landis claims before Tour Jul 2, 2010
"At my age and with the setbacks we had in the spring.'' Armstrong broke his collarbone last year in his first comeback season. On May 20, he hurt his elbow and was cut under his left eye in the crash in California. He withdrew from Milan-San Remo in March, citing gastroenteritis, and pulled out of the Circuit de la Sarthe with a stomach illness. "Athletically, professionally, I feel good,'' Armstrong said. "Better than last year. More motivated than last year. So from a sportsman's perspective,... (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- More)
Virus Plus Gene Mutation Spurs Crohn's Disease in Mice Jun 26, 2010
Noroviruses are a group of viruses that cause gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach lining. Two years ago, the researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and others discovered that mice with an ATG16L1 gene variant associated with Crohn's disease in humans develop similar abnormalities in gut immune cells called Paneth cells. (MEDLINEplus)
Virus Works With Gene to Cause Crohn's-Like Illness Jun 26, 2010
Versions of this virus that infect humans are infamous for causing difficult-to-control outbreaks of diarrhea on cruise ships, and cause a significant portion of gastroenteritis cases worldwide. When they also fed the mice dextran sodium sulfate (DSS), a chemical used to simulate gut injury, additional Crohn's-like pathologies appeared, but only in the presence of the mouse norovirus. (Science Daily)
Breast is best slogan 'outdated' Jun 23, 2010
It's crucial that mothers get the support they need to make breastfeeding a success for them and their baby," a spokesperson said. NHS leaflets given to pregnant women and new mothers say that breastfeeding protects against obesity, allergies, asthma and diabetes. Previous studies have shown that babies who are breast-fed may be less likely to become obese children. Breast-fed infants also have a lower risk of gastroenteritis and respiratory and ear infections, research shows. Latching on The... (BBC News -- Health)
Norovirus vaccine near, researchers say Jun 20, 2010
"Everyone knows what gastroenteritis does to you -- the vomiting, the diarrhea. And it goes on for days.". Norovirus is especially common aboard cruise ships, and more than 300 passengers and crew members were infected with it aboard the luxury liner Queen Elizabeth 2 last month, according to Ozonoff. (Boston University Daily Free Press, MA)
Armstrong climbs to third at Tour of Luxembourg Jun 4, 2010
Armstrong, who broke his collarbone last year in his first comeback season, was forced to withdraw from Milan-San Remo in March, citing gastroenteritis, and pulled out from the Circuit de la Sarthe with a stomach illness. On Thursday, early breakaway riders Anthony Charteau, Johnny Hoogerland and Morten Knudsen built up a six-minute lead before RadioShack started the chase 31 miles from the finish. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- More)
Armstrong gets off to solid start in Luxembourg Jun 3, 2010
In March, he withdrew from the Milan-San Remo classic, citing acute gastroenteritis. "This year has been kind of a year of speed bumps, little hiccups or false starts," Armstrong said. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- More)
Allergic to pregnancy Jun 3, 2010
Sydney GP and sufferer Dr Melinda Griffiths likens the feeling to a continuing bout of gastroenteritis. It's like being on the cusp of vomiting, without respite. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Armstrong will compete in Tour of Luxembourg Jun 2, 2010
In March, he withdrew from the Milan-San Remo classic, citing acute gastroenteritis. This season, Armstrong has completed only four stage races: the Tour Down Under in January, the Vuelta a Murcia and the Criterium International in March, then the minor Tour of the Gila in the United States. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- More)
Opportunity lost to save a young life Jun 1, 2010
Instead, Elu was diagnosed with viral gastroenteritis. He died on December 18, 2007. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Rotavirus Vaccine Helps Kids Avoid Severe Gastro Illness May 22, 2010
FRIDAY, May 14 (HealthDay News) -- Vaccination against rotavirus greatly reduces the risk of hospitalization for acute gastroenteritis among children, new research shows ... In a new study, Aaron Curns and colleagues from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality examined data from 18 states on the number of U.S. children who were hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis during "rotavirus season" in 2000-2006 and then from 2007-2008,... (MEDLINEplus)
Caffeine Reduces Mistakes Made by Shift Workers, Study Finds May 13, 2010
7, 2005) Workers who take probiotics daily are less likely to be off work with common illnesses, such as colds and gastroenteritis, than workers who don't. An exploratory study published today in the open. (Science Daily)
State health investigators continue to investigate suspected norovirus outbreak May 7, 2010
Schultz said the illness is suspected to be norovirus, which can cause acute gastroenteritis, with symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting and stomach pain. He said norovirus is one of the most common food-borne illnesses seen in Minnesota and throughout the country. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch)
Health department investigates illnesses May 1, 2010
Schultz said the preliminary investigation indicates the illness may be norovirus, which can cause acute gastroenteritis in people. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the most common symptoms are diarrhea, vomiting and stomach pain. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch)
Everyone makes mistakes, but veterinarians' can cost your pet's life Apr 30, 2010
But when X-rays and bloodwork come back roughly normal, we shrug our shoulders and treat for the commonest canine digestive malady on record: gastroenteritis. Wrong. (USA Today -- Life)
Facing Disaster: Protecting workers health Apr 30, 2010
Influenza, along with norovirus, which cause gastroenteritis, or stomach flu, are two of the most common potential outbreaks that can go through a workplace setting and send a lot of people home sick, Pandis said. Influenza is preventable with vaccines, but norovirus is not, she said. (Tampa Bay Business Journal, FL)
Eat right while on a holiday Apr 28, 2010
- Completely avoid raw foods or foods cooked at low temperature as they may carry bacteria, which can cause stomach infections and gastroenteritis easily. - While in hotels, have a healthy breakfast as it is going to keep you going for the entire day, whether you are attending meetings or going for whole day sightseeing tour. (India Times, India)
Day Care Centers Too Quick to Send Mildly Ill Kids Home Apr 21, 2010
The five different symptoms or illnesses included in the scenarios were a cold, fever, ringworm on the scalp, pink eye and a stomach illness (gastroenteritis). In each of these cases, the child shouldn't have been immediately excluded from day care. (MEDLINEplus)
Day care dilemma: When 'sick' children are unnecessarily sent home Apr 19, 2010
To examine adherence to these guidelines, the researchers used five scenarios for children with mild illness consisting of a cold, conjunctivitis, gastroenteritis, fever and tinea capitis (a scalp infection). Child care directors were surveyed by telephone and were asked which of these children would be required to go home immediately. (EurekAlert!)
Switch That Enables Salmonella to Sabotage Host Cells Revealed Apr 17, 2010
In humans, Salmonella causes diseases ranging from gastroenteritis to typhoid fever. It also causes similar diseases in livestock. (Science Daily)
Kids Differ from Adults in Travel-Related Ills Apr 9, 2010
Children were at greater risk of animal bites, CLM, respiratory infections and certain causes of diarrhea -- like bacterial infection and acute gastroenteritis, a stomach infection often caused by food poisoning. Children were also more likely to end up in the hospital -- 14 percent, versus 10 percent of adults. (MEDLINEplus)
* The pandemic that wasnt Apr 8, 2010
A warning system based solely on how widely a virus has spread, but that does not consider the nature and severity of the illness it causes, would classify as pandemics not only seasonal flu, but also the frequent but largely inconsequential outbreaks of virus-caused colds and gastroenteritis, for example. Furthermore, the WHO has never explained why these obvious examples do not meet their criteria. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Black Women in U.S. Comfortable with Formula Feeding Mar 31, 2010
"For example, we know that formula-fed infants, even here in the U.S., are twice as likely to suffer an ear infection and two to three times more likely to develop gastroenteritis as compared to exclusively breast-fed infants.". The study was published in the February issue of Breastfeeding Medicine. (MEDLINEplus)
Pregnant Women Can Receive Breast Cancer Chemotherapy Without Endangering Health of Their Babies, Study Suggests Mar 30, 2010
Of the 60 babies who were not exposed to chemotherapy, one had temporary apnoea (breathing interruption), one had an increase in C reactive protein (a protein that appears in response to inflammation or infection) and one had gastroenteritis. Dr Loibl said: "Most of the problems described in the babies exposed to chemotherapy were not related to the treatment but were most probably due to other circumstances (for instance, necrotic enterocolitis due to preterm delivery or trisomia 18). Normally,... (Science Daily)
* Garbage boy beats the odds at hospital amid Haitian slum Mar 29, 2010
Leaving soon for a public refuge to hopefully be adopted, Erod is not the main concern of doctor Manuel Dewez, whose ward is full of suspected cases of meningitis, malaria and gastroenteritis. Here is a little baby, Dewez said, his understatement only clear when he pulled back the curtain. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
Some 40 Percent of Surface Disinfectants Ineffective in Eliminating Viruses That Cause Gastroenteritis Mar 18, 2010
17, 2010) Some 40% of commercial disinfectants used to clean surfaces are believed to be ineffective in eliminating noroviruses, a group of viruses responsible for more than half of all foodborne gastroenteritis outbreaks ... 17, 2006) A molecule found in coral is effective in fighting the type of virus that causes gastroenteritis, giving hope for the development of better treatments for the illness, according to new research. (Science Daily)
Gastroenteritis strikes cruise ship in Brazil Mar 15, 2010
It was the same ship that last week was briefly placed under quarantine after hundreds of people came down with gastroenteritis ... "At least 47 passengers on the Vision of the Seas, operated by Royal Caribbean International, were stricken by what we believe are noroviruses that cause gastroenteritis," a spokesman for the National Agency for Sanitary Vigilance said ... It was the Vision of the Seas' first cruise since last week when 310 people came down with gastroenteritis caused by... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Travel)
* UN chief vows help as Chile mourns Mar 8, 2010
We have cases of gastroenteritis, respiratory problems and weve had heart problems due to fears caused by recent aftershocks, said doctor Carlos Barra, working in a health center near Concepcion. Vaccinations against hepatitis and tetanus had started in the devastated coastal town of Constitution, Deputy Interior Minister Patricio Rosende said. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
Chile begins mourning quake dead Mar 7, 2010
"We have cases of gastroenteritis, respiratory problems, and we've had heart problems due to fears caused by recent aftershocks," doctor Carlos Barra, working in a health center near Concepcion, told AFP.. But despite all the devastation, life was slowly beginning to return to normal. (Yahoo! Asia News)
Stomach Bugs Up Risk of Heartburn Woes Years Later Mar 2, 2010
Serious bacterial or viral infections of the digestive system-known medically as infectious gastroenteritis-may lead to some cases of irritable bowel syndrome, possibly by causing low-grade inflammation in the intestine, Dr. Alex Ford of McMaster University Medical Center in Hamilton, Ontario and his colleagues note ... To investigate, Ford and his team looked at a group of people who had been living in the small rural town of Walkerton, Ontario, during a 2000 outbreak of bacterial... (MEDLINEplus)
Fight disease with paper, phones Feb 27, 2010
George Whitesides has developed a prototype for paper "chip" technology that could be used in the developing world to cheaply diagnose deadly diseases such as HIV, malaria, tuberculosis, hepatitis and gastroenteritis. The first products will be available in about a year, he said. (CNN -- Tech)
Tips from the Journals of the American Society for Microbiology Feb 25, 2010
Campylobacter bacteria are the most common cause of gastroenteritis in the developed world. They are frequently shed by beef cattle in manure and although the impact on human health is undetermined there appears to be a link in areas such as Alberta, Canada where cases of human campylobacteriosis are extremely common and the cattle density is high. (EurekAlert!)
350 Sick aboard Cruise Ship in Caribbean Feb 24, 2010
Reminder: Viral gastroenteritis is inflammation of the stomach and intestinescaused by a virus. The infection can lead to diarrhea and vomiting. (CBS News -- World)
PRIVATE CARE Feb 22, 2010
- Thirty years ago, vegetable seller Subhashini Mistry watched her husband die from gastroenteritis, a common, treatable disease, because their village had no medical facilities and they were too poor to travel to the nearest clinic. But this tragedy, which happens on an almost daily basis in India's teeming, impoverished rural areas, has a happy ending: The Humanity Hopsital that 65-year-old Mistry built for the poor, paying for it brick by brick through her modest income. (AlertNet)
Lunar New Year celebrations may lead to health problems Feb 16, 2010
" Doctors at Tan Tock Seng Hospital's Accident and Emergency Department said they saw a 25 per cent jump in the number of patients on the second day of Lunar New Year in 2009 compared to the previous year. They're also seeing more patients due to falls and asthma ahead of the Lunar New Year period. The number of patients who've suffered falls and asthma attacks have gone up by about 30 per cent. Those with gastroenteritis went up by 20 per cent during the festive season. Dr Chan Kim Chai, A, Tan... (Channelnewsasia.com)
Norovirus Gastroenteritis Feb 11, 2010
29 issue),1 norovirus is the major cause of epidemic gastroenteritis and the most common cause of diarrhea in adults. Prospective studies have shown that 3 to 36% of enteric infections lead to a new diagnosis of the irritable bowel syndrome,2 one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders seen in primary care and specialist practice. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Phage Therapy May Reduce Salmonella Infection in Pigs Jan 30, 2010
20, 2007) Salmonella is one of the major causes of food-borne gastroenteritis worldwide, with an estimated 160,000 cases reported annually in the European Union alone. Probiotics, described as live. (Science Daily)
Public swimming ups risk of stomach bugs Jan 29, 2010
Australian researchers found that among more than 2,800 adults and children they followed for 15 months, participants were somewhat more likely to develop gastroenteritis in the week or two after a public swim. Gastroenteritis refers to inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract caused by viral, bacterial or parasitic infection ... But the extent to which swimming, in different types of venues, raises the odds of gastroenteritis has been less clear. (MSNBC -- Health)
Rotavirus Vaccine Offers New Tool to Combat Severe Diarrhea in Developing World Jan 29, 2010
28, 2010) Rotavirus is the leading cause of severe, acute gastroenteritis among infants and young children throughout the world and is responsible for an estimated 527,000 deaths among children under five each year ... Safety and efficacy trials have already been conducted with two new rotavirus vaccines in Europe and the Americas which found they were more than 90% effective in preventing severe rotavirus gastroenteritis, but until now, no trials had been carried out in Africa or Asia, where... (Science Daily)
Africa: Rotavirus Data Must Propel Immunization - Experts Jan 29, 2010
Published on 27 January in the New England Journal of Medicine, results from first-ever clinical trials in South Africa and Malawi show that a live, oral rotavirus vaccine significantly reduces the episodes of severe rotavirus gastroenteritis in African children during the first year of life. The data "provide policymakers with the critical information they need to make decisions about rotavirus vaccine introduction," George Armah, professor and rotavirus expert at Ghana's Noguchi Memorial... (allAfrica.com)
Two-Pronged Immune Response Offers Hope for Effective Salmonella Vaccine Jan 27, 2010
In developed countries, nontyphoidal Salmonella (NTS) strains are mainly food-borne and usually cause gastroenteritis. In rare cases, they can lead to bacteraemia (bacterial infections of the blood). (Science Daily)
Researchers find fecal bacteria in soda fountains Jan 11, 2010
According to the research literature, one study has linked a 1998 outbreak to soda fountains after 99 soldiers in a U.S. Army base were hospitalized with gastroenteritis. Although ice can become contaminated, researchers ruled it out as the source of contamination after testing revealed that it did not contain coliform bacteria. (CNN -- Health)
Clean, dirty beaches tracked Jan 11, 2010
Exposure to bacteria, viruses and parasites in contaminated beach water can cause a wide range of diseases, including ear, nose and eye infections; gastroenteritis; hepatitis; encephalitis; skin rashes; and respiratory illnesses, the NRDC report stated ... But, the NRDC reported, an EPA study of the Great Lakes from 2002-03, found that more than 10 percent of swimmers report contracting gastroenteritis or respiratory infections after swimming. (MSNBC -- Environment)
Poor Restroom Cleaning Causes Cruise-Ship Sickness Jan 10, 2010
Norovirus causes about 95 percent of acute gastroenteritis outbreaks that occur on cruise ships. Between 2003 and 2008, norovirus outbreaks occurred on 66 ships monitored by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (MEDLINEplus)
Breast-Feeding Benefits Moms and Babies Jan 10, 2010
Decreased risk of asthma, lower respiratory tract infections and gastroenteritis. Improved protection against allergies and intolerances. (MEDLINEplus)
World Trade Center Workers Have More Cases of Acid Reflux Jan 10, 2010
In a second study to be presented at the meeting, researchers found that active-duty military who were exposed to infectious gastroenteritis were more likely to have "functional gastrointestinal disorders," including diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, functional constipation and dyspepsia (indigestion). Infectious gastroenteritis is caused by viruses, bacteria or parasites. (MEDLINEplus)
Health officials: battle against H1N1 not over yet Jan 10, 2010
It is typical this time of year for more people to have coughs, sore throats, sinus infections and gastroenteritis (nausea, vomiting and diarrhea) but the numbers have been slightly higher since Christmas, Brucker and Tyler said. If you havent had a seasonal flu shot yet, ask your health care provider or pharmacist whether they have any vaccine remaining. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
