$Unique_ID{BRK00253}
$Pretitle{Ill Defined Symptoms and Rare Diseases}
$Title{What is a "Norwalk Tummy Ache"?}
$Subject{stomach ache Norwalk virus}
$Volume{N-10}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What is a "Norwalk Tummy Ache"?


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QUESTION:  A friend of mine when complaining of stomach upset uses the term
Norwalk tummy ache.  What does it mean?

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ANSWER:  In 1968, in Norwalk, Ohio, an outbreak of gastroenteritis in a school
was attributed to a virus that has since been called the Norwalk virus.  Stool
samples were obtained and found negative for bacteria, so a search for a
possible viral agent was begun, and when it was found it was named after the
town where the outbreak first occurred.  The term has become popular in
describing viral stomach upset.  Outbreaks of this type of gastroenteritis
occur in all seasons of the year and among every age group.  Outbreaks seem to
spread through a number of different ways, including food, drinking water, and
infected people.  The duration of the infection lasts from several days to
several weeks, and those most susceptible seem to be the younger age group.
Since you gain no immunity with the first bout. you may experience its effects
more than once in your life.  It is definitely a disease that is highly
infectious, so if your friend does have a Norwalk-type virus, she would be
well advised to take precautions against re-infections.  Symptoms of this
virus are the same as all of the other that cause stomach problems, flu-like
aches pains and fever, and include vomiting, diarrhea, chills, headache.
Specific remedies are just not available at the present time, so your
physicians advice would be the rest, fluids, and the "waiting it out" regimen.
Incidentally, eating raw clams has been attributed as a cause of the
Norwalk-like virus in some cases, so be on guard.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
