Noroviruses are the leading cause of gastroenteritis in the United States, causing an estimated 23 million illnesses, 50,000 hospitalizations and 300 deaths per year. This virus is transmitted via the fecal-oral route and infections can occur from drinking contaminated water or eating contaminated food, contact with contaminated fomites, inhalation of aerosolized vomitus, or person to person spread. Outbreaks of norovirus following exposure to contaminated recreational water have been documented, as swimmers and others engaged in water recreation often consume recreational water, either purposefully or accidentally, during their activities. In Arizona there have been several outbreaks of norovirus gastroenteritis among people using the recreational waters. In the past four years there have been four consecutive outbreaks of norovirus among rafters on the Colorado River, and in 2003 there was an outbreak of norovirus among a large group of houseboaters on Lake Powell.Norovirus is an emerging pathogen in the state of Arizona. In an effort to better understand its epidemiology, and with the aim of providing recommendations for prevention or minimization of future outbreaks, two investigations were undertaken: an investigation of the outbreak of norovirus among houseboaters on Lake Powell, and a survey of water quality and possible sources of norovirus in the Colorado River. Additionally, historical Colorado River water quality data was reviewed and outbreak epidemiology assessed. To better understand the role of viruses in waterborne recreational disease outbreaks, a review of the literature was conducted and an analysis of 48 recreational waterborne disease outbreaks was done.

No description available.

No description available.

Graduation date: 1982

No description available.

This study explores the day-to-day lived experience of eight novice hospital play specialists in New Zealand, during the early months following their appointment. Hospital play specialists come from a background in early childhood teaching and work as members of paediatric healthcare teams to support development and coping in hospitalised children and young people. Participants' stories were gathered in face-to-face interviews and were then analysed using an interpretive approach informed by Heideggerian hermeneutic phenomenology. Throughout the reflective process of the study, I have sought to show the vividness of the participants’ unique experiences whilst revealing the deeper understandings that lie below. This study shows that experiences as a novice matter to the subsequent development of professional identity as a hospital play specialist. The participants' early impressions of tile world of a hospital are shown in the findings to be those of strangers arriving in a foreign country, struggling to survive and to achieve a sense of belonging. Despite initially feeling lost and vulnerable, they are revealed as resourcefU1 in coping with change, and resilient in acquiring new skills, finding support, building relationships, and adapting their practice. Inclusion within healthcare teams, and recognition of their knowledge and skills by the participants and by their healthcare colleagues, contribute to participants' successful transitions from novice to competent practitioners. There are implications in this study for team leaders, managers and hospital play specialists regarding recruitment and support, such as ensuring that those employed show the flexibility needed for this role and are the11 provided with suitable early information and induction programmes Alongside this is the need for a focus on professional development and improved processes of communication, and inclusion of new staff members within the healthcare team.

Thesis (MHSc--Health Science) -- Auckland University of Technology, 2005. / Also held in print (176 leaves, 30 cm.) in Akoranga Theses Collection. (T 615.85153 KAY)

Project (M.S.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1992. / Includes bibliographical references (leaf 39). Also available via the Internet.

Thesis (M.S.W.)--University of Wyoming, 2009. / Title from PDF title page (viewed on May 20, 2010). Includes bibliographical references (p. 112-113).

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1982. / Typescript. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 38-41).