Cruise-ship outbreaks get the media coverage, but the real keys for keeping the bug under control are more robust hand-hygiene rules and better sick-leave procedures for restaurant workers.

While norovirus-plagued cruise ship journeys attract sensational media coverage, only around 1% of outbreaks take place at sea, according to the latest report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Travel Mole newsletter reported.

CDC officials say people are much more likely to be struck down with the highly contagious bug at a neighborhood restaurant, Travel Mole reported.
Out of 520 outbreaks where the cause of the virus was known, foodservice workers were responsible in 70% of cases.

The CDC said a total of 1,008 outbreaks occurred in 43 states between 2009 and 2012.

To help keep norovirus outbreaks under control, CDC officials called for more robust hand-hygiene rules and better paid-sick leave procedures for workers involved in food preparation. The preparation of raw food was the source of the problem in three-quarters of cases where a known cause was identified, Travel Mole reported.

“Restaurant managers have a duty to make sure workers follow food-handling rules and put sick leave policies in place that let workers stay home for two days after symptoms subside,” said CDC Director Tom Frieden.

C&RB reported in May on a norovirus outbreak after a function that was held at Willow Ridge Country Club in Harrison, N.Y. http://crb/2014/05/12/novivirus-sickens-100-high-school-function-new-york-club/