Norovirus

Noroviruses belong to a family of 40 different strains of the virus that are spread by:  1) Food or water that has been contaminated by feces;  2) Person-to-person contact;  3) Surfaces contaminated by airborne droplets.  Noroviruses are highly contagious and extremely difficult to control once an outbreak begins.

WHO IS AT RISK?

• Living in close quarters, such as in nursing homes and retirement centers.
• Having an impaired immune system.
• Living in a household with improper or unsanitary food-handling procedures.
• Living with a child who attends preschool or a child care center.
• Traveling to or staying in hotels, vacation resorts, cruise ships or other destinations with many people in close quarters.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

• Vomiting, watery diarrhea or both. 
• A low grade fever.
• Abdominal cramping or stomach pain.
• Flu-like symptoms, such as headache, a general feeling of tiredness and muscle aches.    
• A feeling of thirst, although keeping fluids down may be difficult. 
• Dehydration.  People who are unable to replace their fluids will develop signs of dehydration and require medical care.

HOW YOU CAN HELP PREVENT THE SPREAD OF NOROVIRUS

• Wash your hands for at least 30 seconds with soap and water before and after ALL client care, after using the toilet and before eating or preparing food.  PLEASE NOTE: Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are not effective against the norovirus germ!
• Do not handle food while infected.  People with norovirus illness should not prepare, handle or serve food while they have symptoms and for 3 days after they recover from their illness.
• Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces with hospital-grade disinfectants and products that contain chlorine bleach.  Immediately clean and disinfect all surfaces after any client or staff member vomits or has diarrhea.
• Wash laundry thoroughly—Immediately remove and wash clothing or linens that may be contaminated with vomit or stool.  Wear gloves and handle soiled items carefully—without agitating—to avoid spreading the virus. Wash items in hot water, with regular detergent, on the longest cycle available.