Public Health Department
Norovirus: It's that time of year
Have you or your family recently been ill with vomiting and diarrhea? Norovirus might be the cause...
Norovirus (sometimes called "stomach flu") is very contagious. It is often to blame for foodborne illness outbreaks. Reports of norovirus typically increase this time of year - when group gatherings and holiday celebrations start to occur.
Norovirus is transmitted by eating contaminated food (food that was prepared or handled by another ill person), by touching surfaces or objects (such as doorknobs, faucets, handles, etc.) contaminated with norovirus and then touching the mouth, and by having direct contact with a person who is infected and showing symptoms.
To prevent the spread:
- Wash your hands frequently
- Stay home if you are ill
- Disinfect with a bleach-based cleaning solution
- Do not prepare food for others if you are ill
Do you think you became ill after eating at a restaurant? Tell us about it on www.reportfoodpoisoning.com or call Environmental Health at 222-3800.
More information is available:
- Norovirus fact sheet
- Norovirus cleaning guidelines
- Norovirus control measures
- Norovirus information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
