Norovirus sparks run on Hawai'i drugstores
By Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser Health Writer
News reports of a virus outbreak associated with travel to Las Vegas have boosted sales of antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizers at some Hawai'i stores, although most health professionals say thorough hand washing is still the best way to fight the bug.
Effective: Probably not effective: Source: Strategies for Norovirus Infection Control, Dr. Robert E. Wheeler; state Health Department.
At the Longs Drug Store in Pearl City, clerk Dee Ann Tenn said she had just re-stocked the antibacterial wipes this week, but noticed this morning that she had to put out more, especially the wipes that come in travel packs that you can slip into a purse or pocket.
Protect yourself
"It has been getting wiped out," Tenn said.
Longs pharmacist Paul Hironaka said people probably can help to protect themselves by washing their hands, using alcohol-based hand sanitizers and wiping some surfaces with disinfectants, but he doesn't see a need for travel-sized air fresheners or carpet cleaners.
In Las Vegas, Clark County Health District officials this week said 1,174 cases of gastrointestinal illness associated with a norovirus linked to the California Hotel and Casino have been reported since Dec. 3.
District spokesman Dave Tonelli said most of those who reported illness — with symptoms including nausea, vomiting and diarrhea —are Hawai'i residents who make the desert resort one of their favorite vacation destinations.
Tonelli said that the number of cases reflects a variety of sources, including hotel security, hospital reports and people who are calling in their own illnesses. But he believes the high number is reliable.
"These are not just the people who call," Tonelli said. "These are the number of calls that meet the case definition. There's a lot of science behind this."
He said the numbers do show an encouraging decline, from 153 illnesses during the week of Feb. 27-March 4, to 74 cases for the week March 5-12.
Hironaka, the pharmacist at Longs, said that wiping surfaces you touch when you travel such as faucets, toilets and doorknobs in your hotel room might help slow the spread of disease. He said people don't need to buy specialized cleaners.
"I would just use alcohol," he said. "It's a lot cheaper."
At the Pearl City Daiei, stocks of travel-size hand sanitizers and antibacterial wipes were running low.
Stock clerk Jei Dominador said the store had put out its entire supply of the smaller packs of wipes and is awaiting another shipment on Thursday.
Many residents are ready to return to Las Vegas despite a recent illness.
Kailua resident Ruth South got sick in Vegas in early February.
She plans to go back to her favorite vacation spot, but she's hoping the Fremont hotel will give her and others a free plane ticket or at least a discount to help make up for their discomfort.
South, 72, said she travels to Las Vegas three or four times a year. She craves the combination of excitement and relaxing getaway.
"I like to go to Las Vegas," she said. "You leave all your problems at home. It's just like another world."
Dr. Catherine Chow, preventive medicine resident at the Hawai'i Department of Health, recommends washing hands in warm, soapy water and using hand sanitizers and gel rubs that are alcohol-based as a way for travelers to stay well.
She said the best way to avoid getting the virus is to be cautious about touching objects and surfaces that could be contaminated by someone who had the disease and then placing your hands to your mouth.
"I can't emphasize enough the importance of proper washing," Chow said, and that means warm, soapy water and washing for at least 20 seconds.
Reach Robbie Dingeman at rdingeman@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2429.
