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Health: Noros STAY OUT 3 Days After Symptoms Gone. 1ST Hilton Horror April 7
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WPCNR Health News. By John F. Bailey. May 2, 2013:
Caren Halbfinger, spokesperson for the Westchester County Department of Health, responding to WPCNR routine questions about the norovirus outbreak at the Westchester Hilton, has issued a statement saying victims of the norovirus identified as the microbe culprit causing hundreds of Hilton guests the last four weeks, should stay home for three days after they have finished feeling the symptoms of the disease: vomiting and diarrhea.
Halbfinger confirmed the WPCNR report that the first norovirus incident actually happened the weekend of April 5,6,7, at the CSEA Women's Conference, that the Hilton had reported that incident to the health department April 9.
WPCNR points out that the first time it was reported by the Health Department however was not until April 26.
Halbfinger also said in a statement to WPCNR that the Health Department did not have a total number for persons who have contracted the norovirus and that the actual source of the norovirus might never be found.
The statement from Ms. Halbfinger to WPCNR Thursday evening:
"We are not counting cases, we are focused on stopping the spread of the Norovirus.
As to origin: We honestly don’t know and probably never will. Norovirus is in the community at large -- there are cases every year. We can speculate that it came in from the community to several staff members and spread from there.
How long has it been there: It is hard to say since it is circulating throughout our community.
As to the event you mentioned, the CSEA conference: Both the hotel and a participant reached out to us.
We were informed of it on or about April 9 and investigated it fully, conducting interviews, kitchen inspection and specimen collection.
And following our response, the hotel had a number of events without incident or illness, until April 20.
The incubation period is 12 to 48 hours. We were notified about Norovirus-type illness on April 9, which is typical, because it can take several days for symptoms to occur and another day or two until people with symptoms reach out and contact either us or the venue.
The CDC (Center for Disease Control) recommends that people who have experienced Norovirus remain at home for 72 hours after their symptoms resolve, which means for 72 hours after they are free of symptoms. That’s why the hotel put a 72-hour paid furlough into effect on Tuesday.
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Health Department: Norovirus cause hundreds of Hilton Guest Stomach Sickness
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WPCNR HEALTH NEWS. From the Westchester County Health Department. May 1, 1013, 9:30 P.M. E.D.T,:
The Westchester County Department of Health has confirmed that Norovirus is the cause of the stomach bug that has affected some (Editor's note actually over 300) people who attended several events at The Hilton Westchester in April. The health department anticipated that outcome and has worked cooperatively with the Hilton Westchester to take a series of aggressive steps to stop the spread of the infection, whose symptoms are vomiting and diarrhea.
Recognizing the importance of protecting the health and safety of the public, the Hilton Westchester is voluntarily following every recommendation that the health department has made, including:
- Arranging for an outside contractor to provide an industrial cleaning of all hotel surfaces, with a special focus on the banquet halls;
- Contracting for corporate health staff and corporate sanitarians to be present and to assist in assuring that all health department recommendations are being carried out by staffers;
- Discontinuing service of uncooked foods that are prepared on site, and substituting commercially prepared salads and uncooked fruits; and
- Providing a 72 hour paid furlough to all banquet service and kitchen staff who were scheduled to work, starting Tuesday evening through Friday night.
- The hotel had previously required all kitchen, serving and housekeeping staff to wear gloves and had screened employees to assure they were healthy before starting each shift, had engaged a commercial cleaning company to clean the kitchen and common areas and had discontinued self-service buffets and had shut down any touch screens at the hotel and had made alcohol hand sanitizer available throughout the hotel.
Hotel management has been extremely cooperative throughout this investigation to work with the health department to protect the public’s health. They also have notified organizers of upcoming events about these recent illnesses.
The health department has increased its presence at the hotel this week and will have sanitarians present during every event as long as necessary. Inspectors are reviewing sanitary procedures throughout the hotel, as is our routine practice in these situations. Public health nurses are also reaching out to those who may be affected to help determine the source of the illness and to identify any new cases.
For more information about Norovirus, go to www.westchestergov.com/health.
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Health Department Steps Up Efforts at Rye Hilton. Keeps It Open
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WPCNR HEALTH WATCH. From WPCNR and the Westchester County Department of Health. (EDITED) April 30, 2013 UPDATED MAY 1:
Tuesday afternoon the County Health Department issued this statement on the ongoing investigation of the April 20-21 outbreaks of severe gastrointestinal symptoms involving some 300 guests at three different banquets at the Rye Town Hilton in the last three weeks.
WPCNR learned Tuesday that a similar outbreak of intestinal sickness affected scores of people also occurred two weeks earlier on the weekend of April 7 at the Hilton involving a large union banquet for the CSEA Womens Conference.
News of the last two outbreaks the 20th and 21st was not known until last Friday the 26th, 7 days after the April 20th incident. Wednesday morning, it was reported by the Journal News that a fundraiser for The Carver Club held last Friday at the Hilton was also plagued by persons reporting becoming sick.
The health department did not respond to a WPCNR question Tuesday afternoon asking why the Health Department has not shut down the Hilton.
In the statement that follows the most recent Carver Club sicknesses are not mentioned.
Here is the Health Department statement as of Tuesday afternoon:
"The Westchester County Department of Health has an ongoing investigation underway to put a stop to a recent rash of illness in people who attended events at the Hilton Westchester. While we have not yet determined the cause, it appears to be Norovirus, an infection whose symptoms are vomiting and diarrhea.
Recognizing the importance of protecting the health and safety of the public, the Hilton Westchester is voluntarily following every recommendation that the health department has made, including:
- Arranging for an outside contractor to provide an industrial cleaning of all hotel surfaces, with a special focus on the banquet halls;
- Contracting for corporate health staff and corporate sanitarians to be present and to assist in assuring that all health department recommendations are being carried out by staffers;
- Discontinuing service of uncooked foods that are prepared on site, and substituting commercially prepared salads and uncooked fruits; and
- Providing a 72 hour paid furlough to all banquet service and kitchen staff starting now through Friday night.
Hotel management has been extremely cooperative throughout this investigation to work with the health department to protect the public’s health. They also have notified organizers of upcoming events about these recent illnesses.
The health department has increased its presence at the hotel this week and will have two sanitarians present during every event throughout the weekend. Inspectors are reviewing sanitary procedures throughout the hotel, as is our routine practice in these situations. Public health nurses are also reaching out to those who may be affected to help determine the source of the illness and to identify any new cases.
For more information about Norovirus, go to www.westchestergov.com/health.
How can I avoid getting ill?
To help prevent the spread of the infection, wash hands thoroughly after each toilet visit, between contact with others and before and after preparing your own food.
If you have symptoms, what should you do?
It is important for those who have symptoms to stay home from work and to limit their contact with others to avoid spreading the virus to family members and close contacts until 72 hours after all symptoms resolve. Anyone who experiences nausea, vomiting or diarrhea should not go to work and should not handle food for others while ill. You also may want to contact your physician.
Unfortunately, there is no treatment other than to make sure to drink plenty of fluids. The illness must just run its course. Most people usually recover in a couple of days.
What is Norovirus?
A common cause of vomiting and diarrhea in this kind of setting is Norovirus. Norovirus is a group of viruses that can cause acute gastrointestinal discomfort and illness.
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Guests Affected by Norovirus at Rye Town Hilton
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WPCNR HEALTH WATCH. April 27, 2013 UPDATED 9:30 P.M. E.D.T.:
The County Health Department announced Friday the cause of an outbreak of nausea among guests attending a fund-raiser at the Rye Town Hilton last week to a norovirus. One hundred guests came down with vomiting and nausea within days of attending a benefit held for the Pelham Picture House .
Caren Halbfinger issued this statement to WPCNR from the Westchester County Board of Health:
The health department has received reports that some people have become sick after attending events last weekend at the Hilton Westchester. We are coordinating our response with both the Hilton and the organizers of these events. Hotel management and staff are being very cooperative and have notified organizers of upcoming events about these recent illnesses. We are working closely with hotel management and staff to ensure every precaution is taken to prevent illness.
We suspect it is caused by Norovirus, a stomach bug whose symptoms are vomiting and diarrhea. We are reaching out to interview all those who may be affected to help determine the source of the illness and to identify any new cases. We don’t know how many are affected yet.
The health department has had inspectors on site daily this week and will continue to do so over the weekend. Inspectors are reviewing sanitary procedures throughout the hotel, as is our routine practice in these situations. Public health nurses are also reaching out to those who may be affected to help determine the source of the illness and to identify any new cases.
Noroviruses, (according to the Medical Terms dictionary) are a group of viruses that are a common cause of food poisening and acute gastroentroitis that can strike quickly with force and make a person feel very sick but which typically resolves within 2-3 days. The characteristic symptoms are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramping. The diarrhea is not bloody. Fever, if present, is low-grade. Dehydration is the main complication, especially in infants and the elderly, and may need medical attention.
The clinical criteria for the diagnosis include:
- an incubation period of 12-36 hours;
- an illness characterized by acute onset of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and, in some cases, fever and malaise;
- an illness of 12-60 hours duration.
The virus is spread primarily from one infected person to another (by the fecal-oral route). Infected kitchen workers can contaminate a salad or sandwich as they prepare it, if they have the virus on their hands. Infected fishermen have contaminated oysters as they harvested them. Norovirus infection has become a veritable "plague" on cruise ships.
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Disabled Advocates Indicate Strategy to Restore the Cuomo Cut to the Disabled Se
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WPCNR ALBANY ROUNDS. March 7, 2013:
A strong letter-writing campaign to warn and plead with New York State Legislators to restore the 6% cut Governor Andrew Cuomo proposes in his 2013-14 budget that would take over $300 Million out of the Office for Persons With Developmental Disabilities causing cuts to day treatment programs across the state is making progress, according to a source close to the legislature.
According to our correspondent reporting to WPCNR today: "Advocacy – the efforts are making a difference. We believe we have enough backing in both houses of the legislature to bring bills forward from both bodies to restore the cuts. If we get the bills presented and passed we will turn the efforts to the Governor’s office. So, it is very important to get the bills passed in the legislature, first."
This correspondent has already made substantial cuts to their programs with their day treatment effective April 1.
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Buchwald Gives Update on Future of the 6% Cut in NYS Services to Disabled
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WPCNR ALBANY ROUNDS. February 27, 2013:
WPCNR checked in with David Buchwald, NYS Assemblyman for the 93rd Assembly District (Representing White Plains North to Pound Ridge) on the possibilities of the 6%, $120 Million cut to the Office of People With Developmental Disabilities. I asked him Is the assembly going to go along with this, whether he supported the legislation, and if there was going to be an effort to preserve the key components of day treatment and group homes, and more significantly, the growth of new group homes.
Assemblyman David Buchwald
Assemblyman Buchwald answered in a statement last night:
"I obviously cannot speak for the entire Assembly. This change in funding for the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) is part of the Governor’s 30-day amendments to his proposed budget. It will still be about two weeks before the Assembly passes its one-house budget bill. At that point, the Assembly, the Senate and the Governor’s office will negotiate a final state budget. I have heard from a number of constituents concerned with the impact of such a significant cut, so I hope that progress can be made as the budget is put together over the next few weeks."
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Roston Appointed Chief of Medical, Dental Staffs of White Plains Hospital
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WPCNR HEALTH LETTER. From White Plains Hospital. January 30, 2013:
Alfred Roston, M.D., a respected board-certified gastroenterologist, has assumed the role of President of the Medical and Dental Staff at White Plains Hospital, a two-year position which he will hold until the end of 2014.
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Posted by jfbailey on Wednesday, January 30 @ 09:14:36 EST
Read More... | 3278 bytes more | Score: 4
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WPCNR FLU FLASH. January 23, 2013:
The Westchester County Department of Health will offer free flu shots to residents on Thursday, January 24, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Westchester County Center in White Plains.
The county has 1,000 doses which can be given to adults and children ages 9 and up. Residents are strongly encouraged to register in advance for the flu clinic at www.health.ny.gov/Go2Clinic. Those without internet access can call (914) 995-7425 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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County Will Offer FREE Flu Shots to Residents Next Thursday, Jan. 24
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WPCNR HEALTH WATCH. From Caren Halbfinger, Westchester County Department of Health. January 18, 2013:
County Executive Robert P. Astorino announced today that the Westchester County Department of Health will offer free flu shots to residents on Thursday, Jan. 24 , from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Westchester County Center in White Plains.
“With so much demand for the flu shot right now, some doctors and pharmacists are having a hard time keeping up ,” Astorino said. “By offering free flu shots, we aim to help those residents who have not yet gotten vaccinated.’’
The county has 1,000 doses which can be given to adults and children ages 9 and up. Residents are strongly encouraged to register in advance for the flu clinic at www.health. ny.gov/Go2Clinic. Those without internet access can call (914) 995-7425, weekdays, starting Tuesday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
“It’s important for everyone six months and older to get a flu shot every year,” said Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD. “We hope residents will take advantage of this opportunity, because flu season can last well into the spring. It’s also equally important to wash your hands frequently, to avoid sick people and to stay home when you are sick. Most people will recover on their own from the flu with no need to go to an emergency room or the doctor.”
Residents can also visit the health department website to find providers and pharmacies who are giving flu shots. Physicians can call the health department if they have excess vaccine to share with other providers or if they are willing to give vaccines to people who are not their patients.
The flu shot is safe and provides protection against the three strains of the flu that are circulating this season.
To prevent spreading the flu, cough or sneeze into your elbow and wash your hands often with soap and water. If you do get a respiratory infection, stay home until 24 hours after your fever subsides, to avoid spreading your germs. Clean surfaces you touch frequently, such as doorknobs, water faucets, refrigerator handles and telephones. Get plenty of rest, exercise and eat healthy food.
For more information, visit www.westchestergov.com/health, like us on Facebook at facebook.com/wchealthdept, follow us on Twitter @wchealthdept or call us at (914) 813-5000.
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Health Department on the Flu
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WPCNR FLU NEWS. From Caren Halbfinger. Westchester County Health Department. January 14, 2013:
The health department is actively monitoring the availability of flu vaccine at area pharmacies and medical practices and has provided resources on our website for residents to find a flu shot and for doctors to order more flu vaccine. Residents should always call ahead to the pharmacy to be sure they have flu vaccine in stock, since supplies can fluctuate.
The governor’s declaration of a flu emergency on Saturday cleared the way for an executive order by the Governor that allows pharmacists to give vaccines to children under age 18 for the next 30 days (starting Jan 13). Residents should call ahead and check with their local pharmacy to be sure the pharmacy has vaccine in stock and is prepared to give vaccines to children.
While the number of confirmed flu cases is close to 1,000, as of the week before last, the number of hospitalized patients is low.
Most people will recover on their own from the flu with bed rest and fluids and do not need to see their doctor or go to an emergency room. Residents who believe they have the flu should call their doctor first before going to the office, where they can infect others.
Here’s our flu information for the public:
(Editor's Note: This URL immediately following lists locations with flu vaccine, however, some locations are out of the vaccine at present time. Call ahead to make sure vaccine is on hand.)
http://health.westchestergov.com/flu-information
Here’s a link for MDs/etc to order more vaccine:
http://health.westchestergov.com/emerging-topics
Here’s our most recent news release on this topic:
http://health.westchestergov.com/images/stories/PressReleases/2013_Jan10_Flu.pdf
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Flu Shots Given at CVS Pharmacies in White Plains
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WPCNR FLU NEWS. January 14, 2013:
Flu shots are being given at CVS Pharmacies in downtown White Plains.
The CVS pharmacies in WP are located at 24 Mamaroneck Avenue (949-0961; 325 Mamaroneck Avenue (287-7650); 452 Mamaroneck Avenue (686-0226); 601 North Broadway (328-4925); and 253 North Central Park Avenue in Hartsdale (681-0618).
The pharmacy at 325 Mamaroneck Avenue told WPCNR at 2 P.M. they had just run out. The shot costs $31.99 and CVS accepts all insurances. No appointment is necessary.
It is advised you call the CVS to check on availability of the vaccine, which WPCNR was told may be administered at any time you walk in, if the vaccine is not out of stock.
To locate a CVS pharmacy outside of White Plains go to the CVS website at http://www.cvs.com/stores/store-locator-landing.jsp?_requestid=947122 and do a search on your community.
The Westchester Medical Group, a primary care group in White Plains is only giving flu shots by appointment with your doctor registered with the group, and not through its Emergency Treatment Center.
Any pharmacies in and around White Plains with flu vaccine are encouraged to e-mail wpcnr at wpcnr@aol.com and tell us. WPCNR will add you to this limited list.
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Governor Declares Public Health Emergency as Flu Spreads
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WPCNR ALBANY ROUNDS. From the Office of Governor Andrew Cuomo. January 12, 2013:
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today declared a Public Health Emergency for all of New York State in response to this year’s increasingly severe flu season.
The Governor issued an Executive Order which allows pharmacists to administer flu vaccinations to patients between six months and 18 years of age. This Order suspends for the next 30 days the section of State Education Law that limits the authority of pharmacists to administer immunizing agents only to individuals 18 years of age or older.
Already 19,128 cases of influenza have been reported in New York this season, far more than the total of 4,404 positive laboratory tests that were reported all of last season (2011-2012). Additionally, as of January 5, 2013, the New York State Department of Health (DOH) received reports of 2,884 patients hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed influenza, compared to 1,169 total hospitalizations in 2011. To date, two children in New York State and eighteen children across the United States and have died as a result of this year’s seasonal influenza.
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State Sets Hearing on Revamping of How Disabled Services Will Be Delivered
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WPCNR ADVOCATE. From Edward Spaustra, Richmond Community Services. January 8, 2013:
The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilitiies has announced a hearing on the Statewide Comprehensive Plan (for improving the delivery of services to the disabled) This hearing will be held at six locations statewide on Friday January 18, from 12:30 to 4 P.M., and will be conducted as a live video-conference with Commissioner Courtney Burke, who will be in attendance at the Schenectady location.
OPWDD intends to utilize the ideas, suggestions, and comments received through this public hearing to improve services and supports in New York State. OPWDD urges self-advocates, family members of people with developmental disabilities, providers, advocates, and other interested parties to participate in the hearing.
The Statewide Comprehensive Plan for Services reflects OPWDD’s mission and vision statement. It sets forth plans for implementing a transformational (italics, WPCNR) agenda for supporting people with developmental disabilities to enjoy meaningful relationships with friends, family, and others in their lives; experience personal health and growth; live in the home of their choice; and fully participate in their communities.
REGISTRATION
Registration to attend the public hearing is required. Please call the regional contact person to register, as conference room space is limited. When you register, please indicate whether you are planning to attend only, or attend as a speaker. Speakers must limit their comments to three (3) minutes and bring three (3) copies of their testimony. Locations and contacts for registration are listed BY CLICKING READ MORE...
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D.A. isolates 4 circumstances that were present in 26 infant deaths in 6 years.
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WPCNR D.A. Report. From Lucian Chalfin, Office of the Westchester County District Attorney. December 4, 2012:
The Westchester County District Attorney's office has isolated four common circumstances that have been typically found involved in 26 infant deaths in Westchester County in the last six years.
The Westchester County Child Fatality Review Team was established six years ago to review every suspicious death of a child in Westchester County. To date, it has investigated the deaths of 63 children of which the vast majority - 26 deaths - occurred while the infants were in unsafe sleeping environments – by far the largest subset of the deaths reviewed.
All twenty six of the infants were just weeks to a few months old. Although the cause and circumstances of their deaths were specific to each case, a number of troubling similarities became evident:
- the use of inappropriate bedding,
- the use of pillows or stuffed animals in the sleeping area,
- sleeping in an adult bed with one or more other individuals,
- the use of drugs or alcohol by adults before bed time.
In an effort to combat this continuing trend, the District Attorneys Office, a founding member of the CFRT, along with 8 Hospitals throughout Westchester County, has developed a safe sleeping campaign to inform and educate both parents and caregivers.
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Cnty Sewage Plant Resumes Fully Treated Sewage. Ban Lifted 2.8 B Gals Later
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WPCNR WATCH ON THE RIVER. From Caren Halbfinger, the Westchester County Department of Health. December 4, 2012 (EDITED):
The advisory cautioning against contact with the Hudson River in Westchester was lifted today by the Westchester County Department of Health.
People who use the Hudson River waters for recreational purposes, namely swimmers, boaters, kayakers and windsurfers, are free to resume direct contact with the water.
The advisory had been issued as a precaution during Super Storm Sandy on Oct 29, after the Yonkers Joint Wastewater Treatment Plant was shut down to protect equipment and for the safety of employees. The plant was flooded and sustained heavy damage as a result of the storm. The plant began achieving secondary wastewater treatment on Nov. 22 and test results of the plant effluent demonstrate that the effluent limits are being met. Although the plant is fully functioning, repairs are ongoing and are expected to cost $12.65 million.
(Editor's Note: The Health Department told WPCNR that from 80 million to 100 million gallons a day of partially treated sewage (screened, chlorine-treated only) was fed into the river during the 36 days the plant was undergoing repairs. WPCNR estimates about 2.8 billion to 3 billion gallons of substandard effluent (below Environmental Protection Agency approved levels) were released into the Hudson since October 29.)
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