Norovirus making rounds in the area

Norovirus, more commonly referred to as the stomach flu, is making the rounds in Lincoln County, said County Communicable Diseases Director Marci Johnson.

Norovirus is a contagious illness caused by a virus. The most common symptoms are diarrhea, vomiting and stomach pain.

Anyone can get Norovirus, and they can have the illness multiple times during their lifetime. Norovirus can make people feel extremely ill and vomit or have diarrhea many times a day.

Because Noroviruses are so easily transmitted, it is the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines) in the U.S., according to the CDC.

People with Norovirus are contagious from the moment they begin feeling ill to at least 3 days and perhaps for as long as 2 weeks after recovery, making control of this disease even more difficult.

People can become infected by eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with the virus, touching surfaces or objects that are contaminated with the virus and then placing their hand in their mouth, or having direct contact with an infected person; for example, by exposure to the virus when caring for or when sharing food, drinks, or eating utensils with an infected person.

There is no specific treatment or vaccine for Norovirus infection. Rehydration is important for infected people—they must drink plenty of liquids to replace fluid lost through vomiting and diarrhea.

Most people get better within 1 to 2 days. Dehydration can be a problem among some people with Norovirus infection, especially the very young, the elderly, and people with other illnesses. In some cases, fluid may need to be given intravenously.

To prevent the spread of Norovirus, wash your hands carefully with soap and water frequently, especially after using the toilet and changing diapers and always before eating or preparing food, Johnson said.

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers (containing at least 62% ethanol) may be a helpful addition to hand washing, but they are not a substitute for washing with soap and water.

In the kitchen, carefully wash fruits and vegetables, and cook oysters and other shellfish thoroughly before eating them. People who are infected with Norovirus should not prepare food for others while they have symptoms and for 3 days after they recover from their illness.

If you have questions or concerns, contact your healthcare provider.

Johnson can be reached at the Health Department at 293-4121.