SRSV
SMALL ROUND STRUCTURED VIRUS OR SRSV
What is Viral Gastroenteritis?
It is caused by a group of related small viruses. The most common of these is known as Small Round Structured Virus (SRSV}. Humans are the only known reservoir.
How do I know I have SRSV?
Diagnosis can only be confirmed by testing a sample of your faeces. This is usually at the request of your doctor .
How is it Spread?
Only a very small number of viruses are needed to make you ill. When a person is suffering from SRSV they shed the virus in their vomit and faeces. This vomit from someone with SRSV is highly infectious. Severe risk of spread occurs when minute droplets (aerosols) get into the air from vomit or diarrhoea. The infection can then be passed easily from person to person via contaminated surfaces, food or water, and from infected droplets in the air we breathe. An infected person may also spread the infection when coughing and sneezing Large outbreaks often occur at functions or in residential and nursing homes where many people may be together in a building.
What are the symptoms?
The illness is sudden and can be severe. Diarrhoea and vomiting are the most common symptoms. Sometimes headaches, giddiness, fever nausea and abdominal pain also occur. Duration of the illness is normally short. Most people make a rapid recovery.
How soon after exposure do symptoms appear?
Normally within 24-48 hours of being exposed to the virus. In an outbreak the initial case is typically followed by others becoming ill one or two days later. These then put more people at risk and numbers can climb rapidly after a few days. This helps to distinguish it from food poisoning where illness tends to be concentrated in the first couple of days.
Do infected people need to stay away from work or school?
All cases of gastroenteritis are regarded as potentially infectious. People should normally stay away from work or school until free from diarrhoea and vomiting. Inform your employer, child carer or school as soon as possible to help them identify if they may have an outbreak. Anybody in a ‘high risk’ group needs to stay away long enough to allow the infection time to clear. This includes:
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Food handlers involved with unwrapped or ready to eat food,
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Staff of health care facilities in contact with food or patients,
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Children aged below 5 years attending nurseries, playgroups, etc
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Older children and adults who may find it difficult to implement good standards of personal hygiene
It is important to contact us if you, or anyone else in your household, are in one of these groups. People in these categories should not return to work, school or nursery until their symptoms have ceased and until their bowel habits have been normal for at least 48 hours. This is provided that they wash their hands thoroughly after using the toilet.
How can I prevent it spreading?
To prevent putting yourself or other at risk when clearing up vomit
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Keep the area of contamination as small as possible. Protect yourself by wearing disposable rubber gloves, and if available wear a plastic disposable apron
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Cover any vomit on surfaces with paper towels or tissues. This helps to soak up excess liquid and to prevent contamination spreading over a wider area.
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Once as much liquid as possible has been absorbed, carefully remove the material for safe disposal. A plastic dustpan is a useful scoop. The material should be then flushed down the toilet.
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When as much of the material as possible has been removed, thoroughly wash the area and any equipment used with detergent and hot water.
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Wash down food contact surfaces with detergent and sanitise using a suitable disinfectant or bleach.
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Carefully remove any soiled bed linen or clothing into a plastic bag.
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Wash separately using a hot wash cycle in the washing machine.
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Thoroughly clean soiled carpets and soft furnishings with hot water and detergent
or a proprietary carpet shampoo. Use a steam cleaner if you have one
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Wipe hard furnishings and wooden furniture over with a disposable damp cloth.
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When cleaning the toilet wear rubber gloves. The toilet pan must be cleaned
using toilet brush and disinfectant. Using clean cloth soaked in disinfectant, wipe
the toilet seat, flush handle, door handle, and sink taps.
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Ensure you wash and scrub your hands thoroughly using soap under warm running water. Scrub underneath your fingernails. If possible have separate hand towels or better still use paper disposable towels.
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If necessary help small children with hand washing.
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Do not eat any food that may have been contaminated by the virus. Dispose of it in a sealed refuse bag.
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Thoroughly wash your hands before preparing or handling food
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Thoroughly wash fresh fruit and salads before serving
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Ensure food is cooked thoroughly to kill the virus. Protect against airbourne
contamination by covering foods that are ready-to-eat.
Further advice is available by contacting your doctor or from Kennet District Council
Environmental Health & Protection Services