Media Bulletin
Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health
4th Floor 300 Carlton St. Winnipeg Manitoba • R3B 3M9 • Ph: 788-6666 • Fax: 948-2204
Gastrointestinal Illness
Outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness (vomiting and diarrhea) have been occurring across
Canada this winter and have recently been observed in Manitoba. Often referred to as
“stomach flu” or “24-hour flu” this illness is not caused by the influenza virus; rather, it is
caused by the “small round enteric virus” such as Norwalk virus.
Since October, twenty-one such outbreaks have been reported to Manitoba Health. Most of
these have been in personal care homes. Reports have been received for two hospitals - in
the Winnipeg and Nor-Man Regional Health Authorities. Infection control practices have been
instituted at affected facilities.
Usual symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and may be accompanied by abdominal
cramps, headache and low-grade fever. The illness is usually short-lived ; most people are
better within two days. People are most contagious when vomiting and diarrhea are present
. Vomiting and / or diarrhea may cause dehydration, so fluid replacement (drinking lots of
clear fluids) is important. If unable to keep liquids down or if symptoms persist or worsen,
medical attention should be considered.
The virus is spread from person to person by close contact with or proximity to someone who
has symptoms (especially vomiting), eating food contaminated by someone who is ill, or by
touching your mouth or nose after handling objects that are soiled or otherwise contaminated
by the virus.
Illness has occurred in the community (e.g. private homes) but poses special challenges in
settings where large numbers of people are in close contact. Often many people will become
ill at once. Control measures include thorough cleaning wherever vomiting has occurred,
good hand washing and precautions for those who are ill.
In the community, the best protection is to practice good hand washing with warm water and
soap for at least 15 seconds before eating, after going to the bathroom, before preparing
food and after caring for someone who has been ill.
People who become ill should avoid going to work and minimize contact with others until
symptoms have subsided. Ill persons should not prepare food for others and should avoid
visiting friends or loved ones, especially those in health care facilities.
Where individuals are ill, environmental surfaces, particularly bathrooms can be cleaned with
a disinfectant such as dilute bleach (1 teaspoon per 2 litres of water).
Aside from these precautions, life in Manitoba now and during the holiday season should
continue normally. No serious complications from this disease have been reported in
Manitoba at this time.
For further information, contact Health Links at 788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257.