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It’s not always the last food you ate
With the winter fast approaching, the Food, Health and Safety Team will receive an increased number of complaints regarding infectious diseases. However, it is not always food poisoning that is the cause of the illness.
Viruses, such as norovirus and rotavirus are the most common cause of diarrhoea and vomiting (gastroenteritis) in the UK and these illnesses tend to peak in the winter, which is why they are sometimes called the ‘winter vomiting disease.’ Rotavirus differs slightly from norovirus in that it is more common amongst children under the age of 5.
Whilst symptoms are unpleasant, a majority of people recover relatively quickly, within 2-3 days and are unlikely to suffer any long-term effects. Children, under the age of 5 may be affected by symptoms for up to 7 days.
Outbreaks of ‘winter vomiting disease’ are often reported in the media, and as the viruses are highly infectious they spread quickly through large groups of people in close communities, often in schools, hotels, cruise ships and hospitals. Surfaces, such as carpets, curtains etc can become contaminated and the virus can live for several days. By touching a contaminated surface or coming in contact with someone who has been infected could be enough to pass the virus on.
There are a number of simple tips on how to help prevent you and your family from becoming ill this winter, and these tips can be found in the Food Poisoning| area of the website.
If you or a member of family are unwell and your work involves handling food or drink, or you nurse or work with the young, sick or elderly you must tell your employer.
It is strongly recommended that any ill person/s, especially young children, avoid returning to playgroups, school or work for at least 48 hours after their symptoms have gone.
For further advice on infectious disease, please contact your local G.P and/or local Environmental Health Department at Torfaen County Borough Council on 01495 762200.
For more advice on viruses and infection control, please visit www.hpa.org.uk| or www.wales.nhs.uk|