State officials: Stomach illnesses on rise at Summer camps

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State officials: Stomach illnesses on rise at Summer camps

ALBANY (AP) - New York health officials are warning parents that significantly more summer campers are experiencing stomach cramps, diarrhea and nausea this year because of a spike in viral gastrointestinal outbreaks.

The state Department of Health did not provide specific numbers, but officials instructed overnight camp directors to notify them of any new outbreaks. The department is also recommending precautions to prevent campers from acquiring and spreading the illness.

The viruses are commonly known as the norovirus or Norwalk virus and can be spread through exposure to infected people or contaminated food and water.

To reduce the risk, campers should wash their hands regularly and avoid others if they are feeling sick.

The illness rarely becomes serious.

On the Net:

http://www.nyhealth.gov/diseases/communicable/norwalk/fact-sheet.htm

For information on children's camps:

http://www.nyhealth.gov/environmental/outdoors/camps/

 

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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Saturday, Aug 9 at 9:56 AM Angrys Daddy wrote ...

You did the same thing! The man chowder was your favorite!

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Friday, Aug 8 at 3:23 PM angry wrote ...

To sos daddy I would be proud to say son drinks anything he gets his hands on . It really does make you a non caring father

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Friday, Aug 8 at 12:52 PM Sos's Daddy wrote ...

Our Son's alittle strange and drinks anything he can get his hand around!

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Thursday, Aug 7 at 11:32 PM former camp health director wrote ...

the heck with the cooks... look at the water supply and treatment process!

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Thursday, Aug 7 at 7:39 PM son had this wrote ...

To anyone it is not just a sickness campers get my son (19) had it even went to er thought it was food poisoning even thought it could be appendicities but it was not . he said it was bad so just to let people know anyone can get it Thanks

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Thursday, Aug 7 at 2:18 PM What wrote ...

Look at the cooks!

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