Norovirus a possibility for outbreak at the Rio Las Vegas

Simply putting your fingers in your mouths can make you susceptible to the norovirus. (Photo: 123RF)

Possible norovirus outbreak at Rio Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS – -On Friday nearly 20 people, most of them children, were hospitalized after they became nauseous and started vomiting.

Initially, it was assumed that it was some type of stomach bug, or possibly even food poisoning, that had affected the group, however that may not be the case.

The affected children and adults were visiting Las Vegas for the National Youth Football Championships, an event that attracts nearly 7,000 attendees.

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The initial group of people who became ill were transported to the hospital by shuttle buses at the Rio.

Justin Gates, competition director for Sports Network International, which oversees the Las Vegas event told The Las Vegas Sun that the people who became ill were told by doctors to go home and drink plenty of fluids.

Gates estimated that up to 100 people became ill and that not all of the people were staying at the Rio.

Other estimates indicate that more than 100 people may have been affected.

Gates also said that all other causes have been ruled out except norovirus.

Representatives from the Southern Nevada Health District met with parents and coaches after some of the participants were sent to the hospital and passed out norovirus fact sheets.

Although the cause is still undetermined, Jorge Viote of the Health District, said that the norovirus is a strong possibility.

Officials believe that norovirus is transmitted by:

• Eating food or drinking liquids that have been contaminated by the feces or vomit of an infected person.
• Touching or surfaces contaminated with the virus, and then placing parts of the hand in their mouth.
• Ingesting particles of vomitus that have been aerosolized.
• Direct contact with a sick person (such as caring for a sick individual or sharing food, water or eating utensils).

Since noroviruses cannot be treated with antibiotics, the illness has to run it’s course.

It was most likely transmitted by someone connected to the football championships.

Clark County long term care facilities had 17 norovirus outbreaks in 2010 and 2011.

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• ‘Nasty’ stomach virus sidelines 90 at youth football tourney in Vegas

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