VIGO COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — According to the Vigo County Health Department‘s Public Health Educator, Shelby Jackson, symptoms of Norovirus are circulating the area.
The virus is also said to be prevalent around the state.
According to the CDC, each year in the United States, there are about 2,500 reported norovirus outbreaks. Most norovirus outbreaks happen when infected people spread the virus to others through direct contact.
What is Norovirus?
Norovirus is a highly contagious illness involving inflammation of the stomach and intestines.
The infection can produce severe symptoms, but most people recover quickly and without seeking medical attention.
Norovirus is more common in the late fall through the winter, but infections and outbreaks can occur year-round.
“Stomach flu” and “food poisoning” are said to be common, but misleading terms for Norovirus.
Could it be the flu?
Norovirus is not the same illness as the flu. The flu is a respiratory illness caused by viruses that produce symptoms like fever, aches, sneezing, and coughing.
The flu does not cause diarrhea or vomiting.
Could it be food poison?
Unlike actual food poisoning, Norovirus does not come from food. To make someone ill, food would have to be contaminated by a sick person.
What are the symptoms of Norovirus?
Symptoms of Norovirus include: diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, cramps, fever, headache, muscle
aches, and tiredness. Symptoms usually begin 24-48 hours (range of 12-72 hours) after exposure. Symptoms usually last 24-48 hours. The illness can last longer in the elderly or in those with weakened immune
systems.
How to fight Norovirus
- Norovirus can be a serious illness. The Vigo County Health Department says you should stay home and away from others for 48 hours after your symptoms clear.
- Hand sanitizer does not work well against Norovirus.
How is Norovirus Spread?
- Norovirus is passed in stool and vomit and people become ill by ingesting the stool or vomit from an infected person.
- The virus is easily spread by contaminated food or beverages, from person to person, and by contact with surfaces or objects with the virus on them. These viruses can remain infectious on surfaces for up to 72 hours
- A very small amount of virus causes illness.
Who is susceptible to Norovirus?
- Anyone can become ill, but young children, aging adults, pregnant women, and immune-suppressed individuals are at high risk for illness.
- You can have Norovirus many times in your life.
What should I do if I think I’m infected?
- People with diarrhea and vomiting should drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
- Wash hands with soap and water after using the restroom, after changing diapers, after helping someone with diarrhea and/or vomiting, after swimming, and before/during/after food preparation.
- Wash all produce before eating raw or before cooking.
- Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces.
- Wash contaminated laundry thoroughly.
- People with diarrhea and/or vomiting should not prepare food or provide health care for others and should limit direct contact with others as much as possible.
- Do not go swimming or use hot tubs if you have diarrhea and for at least two weeks after the diarrhea stops.
- A person having diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours should consult a health care provider (doctor or clinic). The illness is usually diagnosed by symptoms, duration of illness, and medical exam. Your healthcare provider may order tests to rule out other infections.
- It is important to not overwhelm local emergency rooms. If symptoms persist call your doctor or visit a clinic. If symptoms become worse (for example: extreme pain and dehydration) consider going to the emergency room.
How is Norovirus treated?
- There is no vaccine or medications to cure Norovirus.
- Treatment is based on relieving symptoms.
