Management of Norovirus Gastroenteritis in Post Acute Care Settings

Course overview

Norovirus is the predominant cause of acute gastroenteritis, causing both sporadic cases and outbreaks. It is estimated to be the causative agent for over 23 million gastroenteritis cases occurring every year in the US. Norovirus gastroenteritis infections commonly occur in healthcare settings. In fact, healthcare institutions, such as hospitals and nursing homes, are the most frequently reported settings for norovirus outbreaks in the United States and other industrialized countries. Norovirus gastrointestinal infections can be particularly problematic in long-term care facilities. Due to the close proximity of living quarters, communal spaces, the reduced levels of personal hygiene and mobility of residents, along with the extreme contagious nature of the virus, norovirus can spread quickly in these types of facilities. Most long-term care facilities are populated by elderly residents and/or individuals who have significant underlying medical conditions. This makes them a susceptible and vulnerable group for norovirus infections. Due to these challenges, it is vitally important for long-term care facilities to implement measures and policies to prevent norovirus infections and take swift infection control actions if an outbreak is suspected. This instructional course has been designed primarily for nurses and infection prevention and control practitioners working and caring for residents in long-term care facilities. However, other care providers such as epidemiologists, facility administrators, environmental services, and other long-term care staff members will find the course information useful. The course is designed to be applicable to various types of long-term care settings and follows the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's latest HICPAC Guideline for the Prevention of Norovirus.