Prevention Documentary

So, here is a documentary that MicrobeWorld put up on Norovirus. In this video, Stanley Maley, Ph.D. and Lee-Ann Jaykus, P.h.D. discuss the the possible prevention methods of Norovirus as well as possible detection methods. 

Jaykus mentions that the number one cause of Norovirus spread is infected fecal matter in food. Therefore, thorough hand washing is necessary in the prevention of contracting Norovirus (New Methods 5:32). I agree with this as previously posted in my blog. She also mentions that alcohol will not do much in killing the virus. I found this surprising, since a lot of hand-sanitizers are mainly alcohol. She also mentions the CDC's requirement for prevention, which is using a thousand parts per million of chlorine on surfaces to disinfect (New Methods 6:50). I'm pretty sure that is a whole lot of chlorine! I feel as though this is impractical and unrealistic since for one, not everyone would have the time to create this solution and complete this tedious act and second, this is inapplicable on carpet and upholstery, so roughly half of the house could not be sanitized. However, if one even managed to accomplish this, one's entire house would probably smell like chlorine... not too inviting.  

Jaykus mentions how this virus is easily spread due to the low percentage of people who actually wash their hands before handling food in fast-food restaurants (25%) (New Methods 9:00). I find this number to be very disturbing but, unfortunately not surprising. 

Maley mentions the need for detection methods to prevent contaminated food. Jaykus responds by stating that there are not too many detection methods, other than some reverse transcriptase PCR based methods, and even these are not enough to formulate a proper detection method, and thus prevention is our number one goal (New Methods 10:02). There are just too many strains which impact clinical diagnosis. I completely agree with this, in that it is very difficult to detect a virus, even if there were detection methods. Since these 'detection methods' would only be utilized in laboratory settings and would not be readily available to the general population on any given day. Therefore, these detection methods would do very little in protecting individuals outside of the clinical setting. Therefore, as mentioned multiple times we should take precautions and maintain good hygiene in order to prevent contracting the virus. 

There was a question regarding long-term immunity, which I found to be interesting. Jaykus mentions how there is no long-term immunity for this virus and the cause of this inability to acquire long-term immunity is unknown (New Methods 11:57). So, unfortunately, those who have endured this awful virus, would have to go through it again if contracted again. Not fun.   

One of the main themes of the documentary revolved around transmission of the Norovirus during recreational activities and crowded areas (i.e., cruise ships, swimming pools, airplanes). The argument was that these places are the most common places to contract this virus due to the crowded nature of the place. In these instances, I would agree that prevention would be the best solution, yet again. In an environment where there is a heavy crowd, to ensure appropriate cleaning methods to prevent contracting a virus from others. 

Towards the end of the documentary Jaykus laughs about how if she saw a women throwing up in a restroom, she would immediately turn around and leave (New Methods 26:00). Humor aside, she makes a good point. It is important to remember that anyone could have any ailment (severe or benign), but it is always good to practice general precaution. Too many times than not, I have witnessed individuals be in denial that they would ever contract disease X or virus Y, or bacteria Z. But, in reality it can happen! You may even get it from someone you love! Ok, so that doesn't mean be completely afraid of everyone and your surrounding for the fear of acquiring a life-threatening disease, just be aware and definitely not in denial!

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References

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIxeR6stTzI

Images

http://www.cdc.gov/features/norovirus/tips.html