NHCGov: Public Health Officials urge precautions to prevent possible exposure to norovirus

(New Hanover County) - Statewide the North Carolina Division of Public Health has recently noted an increase in the number of individuals with signs and symptoms associated with the norovirus (stomach flu), a common and unpleasant gastrointestinal illness.  In the past week, the New Hanover County Health Department has received reports of multiple cases of the norovirus within several long-term facilities.  The Health Department is actively working with these facilities to increase preventative measures to reduce the spread of this virus.

“The most important message we have right now is that people who are ill with vomiting and/or diarrhea should not go to work, go to school or attend daycare while they are having symptoms” said New Hanover County Deputy Health Director, Joshua Swift.  “Everyone needs to wash their hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water. This is the most effective way to protect you and your family against norovirus since hand sanitizers and gels alone are not as effective against this resilient virus.”

Noroviruses are easily transmitted by touching a contaminated surface as well as by direct contact or by eating food or drinking liquids that have been contaminated with the virus. Noroviruses are notoriously difficult to kill with normal cleaning and disinfecting procedures. Surfaces that have been contaminated with stool or vomit should be cleaned immediately and disinfected with a freshly prepared diluted bleach solution or a bleach-based household cleaner.

Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramping. Some may have fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and a general sense of tiredness. The symptoms can begin suddenly and an infected person may go from feeling well to very sick in a very short period of time. In most people the illness lasts for about one to two days. People with norovirus illness are contagious from the moment they begin feeling sick until at least three days after they recover. Some people may be contagious for even longer. Infection can be more severe in young children and elderly people.  Dehydration can occur rapidly and may require medical treatment or hospitalization.

“Unfortunately, there are no specific medications to treat norovirus, but infected people should drink plenty of liquids to replace fluid lost through vomiting and diarrhea,” Swift said. “The best course of action is prevention.”

Follow these simple steps to take if you suspect the presence of a norovirus:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water, especially after toilet visits and before preparing, serving or eating food or drink. Hand sanitizers are not as effective against norovirus.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces contaminated with vomit or diarrhea immediately using a bleach-based household cleaner, or dilute household bleach 1:10 in water (must be mixed fresh daily; never use undiluted bleach).
• Stay home when sick.
• Do not prepare food for other people when sick and for at least three days afterward.