Flu is making rounds, communicable diseases official warns

The Western News

Commonly called the stomach flu, norovirus is a contagious illness caused by a virus that is making its rounds in the community. The most common symptoms are diarrhea, vomiting and cramping, usually several times a day. Some people may also have a fever. 

Because noroviruses are so easily transmitted, it is the most-common cause of acute gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines) in the United States. People with norovirus are contagious for at least three days  after their symptoms are gone, 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, or having direct contact with an infected person,” said Marci Johnson, the communicable diseases coordinator for Lincoln County. “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 two to three days, Johnson said. 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 treat dehydration.

Johnson said to prevent the spread of norovirus, persons should wash their hands carefully with soap and water frequently, especially after using the toilet and changing diapers and always before eating or preparing food. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers (containing at least 62 percent ethanol) may be a helpful addition to hand washing.

In the kitchen, persons should carefully wash fruits and vegetables.

For more information on the norovirus, persons may contact Johnson at 293-4121.