Norovirus

There have been some recent outbreaks of norovirus in the United States, including Virginia.  The symptoms of norovirus illness usually include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and some stomach cramping.  Some people have a low-grade fever, chills, headaches, muscle aches and fatigue.  The illness often begins suddenly and the infected person may feel very sick.  In most people the illness is self-limiting with symptoms lasting for about 1 or 2 days.  Some individuals become dehydrated and may need special medical attention. 

Noroviruses are found in the stool or vomit of infected people.  You can become infected with the virus in several ways, including:

·        Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with Norovirus.

·        Touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus and then placing your hand in your mouth.

·        Having direct contact with another person who is infected and showing symptoms (for example, when caring for someone with illness, or sharing goods or eating utensils with someone who is ill).

Since this is a very contagious illness, prevention is important.  You can decrease your chance of coming in contact with noroviruses by following these preventive steps:

·         Frequently wash your hands, especially after going to the bathroom, changing diapers and before eating or preparing food.

·         Carefully wash fruits and vegetables, and steam oysters before eating them.

·         Thoroughly clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces immediately after an episode of illness by using a bleach-based household cleaner.

·         Immediately remove and wash clothing or linens that may be contaminated with virus after an episode of illness (use hot water and soap).

·         Flush or discard any vomit and/or stool in the toilet and make sure that the surrounding area is kept clean. 

Persons who are infected with norovirus should not prepare food while they have symptoms and for 3 days after they recover from their illness.  Food that may have been contaminated by an ill person should be disposed of properly. 

Remember, washing your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer frequently will decrease your risk of many illnesses such as norovirus, influenza (the flu) and upper respiratory infections (colds).   For more information on Norovirus, visit:

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb.gastro/norovirus.htm 

For more information on hand washing visit:

 http://www.cdc.gov/cleanhands