Norovirus Epidemic at American Casino
The United States' Louisiana Department of Health has identified a norovirus outbreak at the L'Auberge Casino in Lake Charles, with over 200 guests contracting the infection. Symptoms include extreme nausea, stomach cramps, and both vomiting and diarrhea. More infections are projected. Find out more below:
Norovirus's rapid proliferation
The ever-present threat of coronavirus has gripped parts of Asia and Europe, prompting a halt in operations at Macau's gambling capital. Simultaneously, the norovirus outbreak in a US casino has garnered widespread attention. Over 200 guests have been stricken with the notorious pathogen that's been known since 1968 at the L'Auberge Casino in Louisiana.
Guests reported abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea, while some suffered from fever. An ongoing investigation seeks to ascertain whether the origins of the outbreak lie within the casino. Institutions in the surrounding areas have urged locals to implement thorough hygienic practices to avoid infection.
Dr. Lacey Cavanaugh, a regional medical director, suspects the outbreak originated inside the casino. She highlights that most initial cases stemmed from guests who'd stayed at the Penn National Gaming-operated facility. Cavanaugh fears the virus will continue to proliferate due to the public nature of the building. She noted:
"Regardless of where it started, what we'll witness is transmission within communities. It doesn't matter how or where people were infected—they are now bringing the virus into their homes and transmitting it from one family member to another."
A highly contagious condition
Authorities detected the outbreak on February 5th, when multiple guests fell ill during their visit to L'Auberge Casino. The onset of symptoms — severe diarrhea — doesn't manifest for 24 to 48 hours after infection.
The Louisiana health department classifies the virus as a highly contagious intestinal illness capable of spreading to those with direct contact with infected people or surfaces. Noroviruses, which are common globally, are not deemed an imminent public health risk. However, authorities are maintaining a watchful eye on the situation.
Residents visiting the area in the last two weeks are asked to complete an online survey to aid investigations. Dr. Frank Welch, the lead physician, communicated to CNN:
"Once a person is infected with norovirus, they can quickly spread the disease from the time their symptoms show up until several days after they recover. Some individuals may carry the virus for up to three weeks. There is no medicine to halt the outbreak, but thorough hand washing is the key to defense."
Potential consequences for the casino
Penn National Gaming, the casino's operator, has yet to release a comment regarding the incidents. However, Michael Pendergast, Managing Director of L'Auberge Casino, recently released a statement, expressing awareness of "a few guest and team member cases of stomach ailments." The statement continues:
"Ensuring the well-being and comfort of our guests and team members always comes first. We are collaborating with health authorities who are reviewing our records. We have initiated stringent sanitary measures in response."
The casino will remain open despite the risk of infection; with no closure announced yet. While the casino may see reduced footfall for some time, it's uncertain whether any actions could have mitigated the spread. Macau's gambling industry is currently facing economic challenges due to the coronavirus situation. With half its GDP (gross domestic product) derived from gambling revenue, closures have led to a drastic 80% plummet in tourism and revenue. Wynn Resorts, a major player in the market, confirmed they are losing approximately $2.4 million daily due to enforcement measures.
Extended reading
- Casino in Lake Charles, Louisiana Reports Over 200 Cases of Norovirus
- Second US Casino Reports Outbreak of Foodborne Illness
- Death Toll from Norovirus Rises
- Norovirus Outbreaks in the Casino Industry
- Louisiana casino reports more than 200 cases of norovirus
- Louisiana Casino Reports More Than 200 Cases of Norovirus
- Norovirus Outbreaks Hit US Casinos
- Norovirus Outbreaks at US Casinos: How Serious Is the Problem? https://www.totalgamingnews.com/news/norovirus-outbreaks-at-us-casinos-how-serious-is-the-problem.html
- Origins and anti-norovirus vaccine https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/features/norovirus#2
- What Is Norovirus (Norwalk Virus)? https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/features/norovirus
- The 2000 Norovirus Outbreak at Father De Sales High School - Should We Be Concerned? https://www.researchgate.net/publication/317090940_00007_The_2000_Norovirus_Outbreak_at_Father_De_Sales_High_School_-_Should_We_Be_Concerned
- A Norovirus Breakout Struck a Country Club https://www.nytimes.com/1996/09/24/upstate/a-norovirus-breakout-struck-a-country-club.html
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Source: www.onlinecasinosdeutschland.com
