Norovirus is one of the most commonly used terms when people are referring to holiday illness – particularly onboard cruise ships which visit Egypt and The Dominican Republic.  Most holidaymakers are confused as to what norovirus actually means, and may assume they are suffering from it without making absolutely sure.

Always check with your GP when you return to the UK that you are clear of any virus or illness, even if your symptoms have stopped. If it´s proved you have suffered norovirus or Norwalk, after a holiday illness in Egypt, The Dominican Republic, or elsewhere, you may be able to claim for compensation when you return to the UK.

The facts about Norovirus and Norwalk Virus

Major outbreaks of Norovirus and Norwalk Virus can be traced back as far as 1986, when more than 1,200 persons developed gastrointestinal illness on two Caribbean cruise ships.  Anyone carrying the Norwalk Virus can still be contagious over a week after their symptoms have disappeared.  Norwalk is passed on easily on cruise ships, as hundreds of people are contained in a relatively small area.  Norwalk Viruses can run uncontrolled through large groups of people, unless contained quickly.

The Centre for Disease Control reported that 55,000 people at a major hotel were struck down with Norwalk Virus over a time period of 34 days.  Another case in Minnesota in 1982, saw one bakery worker linked to nearly 3,000 cases of gastroenteritis.

Norwalk and Norovirus has struck in holiday destinations and on board cruise ships in The Dominican republic and Egypt – leaving many passengers desperate to get home.  Such is the law surrounding holiday illness, that it´s now possible to claim compensation for Norovirus and Norwalk if it was proved to be someone else´s fault. 

Norwalk is contracted when the virus attaches to the outside of cells lining your intestine.  Genetic material is then transferred into the cell, and it reproduces, killing the human cell and releasing new copies of itself to attach to more cells in your intestine. Norwalk takes many forms, and careful hygiene is the most effective way to prevent it.  If you think you have suffered Norovirus or Norwalk on holiday in Egypt, The Dominican Republic in a hotel or on a cruise ship, you should contact a personal injury solicitor for free advice on your return to the UK.

Common symptoms include: Vomiting, Diarrhoea and Stomach Cramps.  Norwalk is spread by contaminated food, or water, or from person to person.  People become infected by swallowing stool-contaminated water or food, which explains why good hygiene is imperative. Most people who suffer Norwalk and Norovirus recover in 2 – 3 days without serious health effects, but can still claim holiday illness compensation for loss of enjoyment of their holiday, and medical expenses.

In order to prevent Norwalk Virus:

1. Always Wash hands with soap and hot water after visiting the toilet, and before preparing or eating food,
2. Cook all fish and seafood thoroughly before eating,
3. Wash raw vegetables in bottled water before eating,
4. Dispose of sewage in a sanitary way,
To sum up Norovirus or Norwalk Virus:

What is Norwalk Virus ?

Norwalk virus infection is an intestinal illness that often occurs on cruise ships and holiday package tours.
Which infectious agent causes Norwalk Virus ?
Infection is caused by the Norwalk virus. The virus was first identified in 1972 after an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness in Norwalk, Ohio. Later, other viruses with similar features were described and called Norwalk-like viruses. These have since been classified as members of the calicivirus family.

Where do you find Norwalk Virus?

Norwalk and Norwalk-like viruses are found throughout the world. Humans are the only known hosts. The viruses are passed in the stool of infected persons.

How do people contract Norwalk Virus?

People contract Norwalk Virus infection by swallowing food or water that has been contaminated with stool from an infected person. Outbreaks in the United States are often linked to eating raw shellfish, especially oysters and clams. Shellfish becomes contaminated via stool from sick food handlers or from raw sewage dumped overboard by recreational and/or commercial boaters. Contaminated water, ice, eggs, salad ingredients, and ready-to-eat foods are other sources of infection.
Who is most likely to contract Norwalk Virus?

Anyone can get Norwalk virus infection, but it may be more common in adults and older children. A personal injury solicitor in the UK will guide you through the claims compensation process if you have suffered Norwalk Virus through no fault of your own.  Claim the compensation you deserve after suffering a bout of Norovirus or Norwalk Virus.

What are the signs and symptoms of Norwalk Virus?

Signs and symptoms of Norwalk Virus include: Nausea, Diarrhoea, Stomach Cramps, Vomiting.

Severe illness or hospitalisation is rare but not unheard of.  Most cruise ship passengers and holiday makers recover from Norwalk Virus and Norovirus within 2 – 3 days, although their holiday can be ruined.

How soon do symptoms appear after you contract Norovirus?

Symptoms usually appear in 1 to 2 days after swallowing contaminated food or water.

How is Norwalk Virus diagnosed?

Laboratory diagnosis is not straightforward, and Norwalk Virus diagnosis is often based on the combination of symptoms and the short time of illness.

What to do if you contract Norwalk or Norovirus on holiday in Egypt or The Dominican Republic

No specific treatment is available. Persons who are severely dehydrated might need rehydration therapy.

How common is Norwalk virus infection?

No routine diagnostic test is available for Norovirus and Norwalk, and the actual number of people who contract it annually is not known. Norwalk and Norwalk-like viruses have been linked to outbreaks of intestinal illness on holiday cruise ships, holiday hotels, particularly in The Dominican Republic and Egypt, and in communities, schools and institutions. Many oyster-related outbreaks of intestinal illness linked to Norwalk-like viruses have been reported in Louisiana, Florida, Maryland, and other states where oyster harvesting is common. In 1993, 73 people in Louisiana and about 130 others in the United States who ate oysters from Louisiana became ill. A malfunctioning sewage system was the cause of an outbreak in 1996. An outbreak in 1997 was linked to sewage from oyster-harvesting boats.

Food handlers with symptoms of Norwalk-like illness should not cook, prepare or touch food. Water is the most common source of Norovirus outbreaks and may include water from municipal supplies, wells, lakes, swimming pools, and water stored aboard cruise ships. It is very important that when you return to the UK, you seek immediate medical advice from your doctor, if you are suffering or have suffered holiday illness. Then contact a Farnworth Rose Personal Injury Solicitors as quickly as possible to discuss a possible compensation claim for Nororvirus, Norwalk Virus and holiday illness.
 
How Farnworth Rose Personal Injury Solicitors can help you

If you have suffered a holiday accident or illness on holiday in Egypt, The Dominican Republic or elsewhere, which was not your fault, you may be able to claim compensation. Farnworth Rose Personal Injury Solicitors specialise in holiday illness and accident claims, and we can help get you the compensation you deserve.  Holiday accident and illness throughout the world, can ruin your long-awaited holiday and you should seek legal advice from a personal injury solicitor on your return to the UK.  Farnworth Rose Personal Injury Solicitors will pay you £100.00 cash up front when we accept your claim, and you get 100% of the holiday illness/accident compensation.  Farnworth Rose Personal Injury Solicitors work on a no-win-no-fee basis which means no risk and no cost to you.  Suffering an injury or illness on holiday can hit you hard, both financially and physically. Don´t suffer in silence.  Contact us free today if you have suffered an accident or injury on holiday in The Dominican Republic, Egypt or any other destination, on 080001 54321 or fill in the online claim form. And remember, no claim is too big or too small.

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