Questions are answered by experts at OHA, other state agencies or community partners.
Q: Norovirus is in the news and sounds truly horrible. Are there any plans to monitor its frequency and outbreak locations here in Oregon? – Scott, Springfield
A: Scott, you are correct… norovirus is certainly no picnic, and it can be fatal in rare cases, usually among children younger than 5 and adults older than 85. It used to be known as “winter vomiting disease” because it’s typically more active in the winter months, and it’s the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea, and of foodborne illness in the United States. It is also extremely contagious, but it is not a respiratory virus that spreads via coughing or sneezing. The bacteria live in vomit and feces (poop). Learn more about norovirus and how it spreads here.
▶VIDEO: Preventing norovirus
Although individual norovirus cases aren’t reportable in Oregon, outbreaks of norovirus are, and our “norovirus data year” starts in August and runs through the following July. This season, through the end of December Oregon recorded 29 norovirus outbreaks. (An outbreak is defined as two or more cases stemming from the same confirmed exposure).
So far there is nothing remarkable about this norovirus season, other than that we are continuing to see a slow return to pre-pandemic levels of norovirus, much like other communicable diseases.
Q: Can I visit an office to set up coverage with the Oregon Health Plan for two months for me and my wife? We need coverage until my new employer coverage kicks in. – Greg, Hillsboro
A: Greg, using this search tool, I found five Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) locations within 10 miles of Hillsboro where you and your wife can call or visit to apply for Oregon Health Plan (OHP/Medicaid). Most places require appointments, but we always recommend you call ahead to confirm hours and services.
If you choose to apply online or over the phone (800-699-9075, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.), this page lays out instructions for all the ways one can apply for OHP. If you and your wife each qualify, benefits kick in immediately. Under the new continuous eligibility policy, coverage will automatically last two years whether you obtain insurance through other means or not.
If you have questions about health topics in Oregon, submit your question here. Although we are unable to answer every question, we try to address those of interest to a broad audience. Please understand that we are unable to provide specific medical advice for personal medical conditions.
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