Norovirus

Michigan Health officials released a statement on January 8th, 2019 warning that the norovirus has hit Michigan and is full swing (13 ABC, 2019). Norovirus is just that, a virus that is very contagious. It typically peaks in the winter months and spreads very easily and quickly (Centers for Disease Control Prevention (CDC), 2018).

Symptoms

Symptoms usually present between 12 to 72 hours after exposure to the virus. Norovirus is often called the stomach flu. However, this is not  accurate; the norovirus is not related to the flu in any way. Norovirus is the most common cause of foodborne diarrhea and vomiting. The most common symptoms of norovirus are:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain

Other symptoms include low grade fever, headache and body aches. But these symptoms usually present after you have been experiencing the nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Symptoms of dehydration may also present and those include dry mouth, feeling dizzy and decreased urination (CDC, 2018).

Transmission

Norovirus is easily spread through food, contaminated surfaces or person-to-person contact (13 ABC, 2019). If you develop norovirus you are most contagious when you have symptoms (i.e. vomiting, diarrhea). But you can remain contagious for up to two weeks following a bout with norovirus, even after your symptoms improve (CDC,2018).

Prevention

HAND WASHING is the best way to prevent transmission and infection with the norovirus. Washing your hands with soap and water is the number one prevention method, but alcohol-based hand sanitizers can also be used if no soap and water are present. Most   important times to wash your hands include:

• After using the restroom or changing a diaper
• Before preparing, handling or eating food
• Before giving yourself or others medication
• Handling and preparing food safely (this includes washing all fruits and vegetables before consuming)
• Cleaning and disinfecting all surfaces (most important areas for disinfection include kitchen and bathroom)
• Wash laundry thoroughly  (CDC, 2018)

Treatment

Since norovirus is a virus, antibiotics will not help with this type of infection. The best treatment that a person with norovirus can do is to drink plenty of fluids, rest and stay home if you have the common symptoms. Typically the symptoms last 1 to 3 days and in most cases individuals will recover with no needed medical attention (13 ABC, 2019). Watch for signs of dehydration from this condition, especially in children. Dehydration can lead to serious problems and may require medical treatment if not reversed at home (CDC, 2018).

Conclusion

Norovirus outbreaks have been reported in many different settings. Particularly high-risk settings include healthcare facilities (more common in long-term care facilities), schools, daycare centers, cruise ships, restaurants and catered events (CDC, 2018).

Keep yourself safe this winter from norovirus, wash your hands or bring sanitizer with you where ever you go, keep your work area and home disinfected and clean, if you do become sick stay home, prevent and reduce the spread of infection!

References

13 ABC (2019). Norovirus cases spike in Michigan. Retrieved January 8th 2019 from https://www.13abc.com/content/news/Norovirus-cases-spikes-in-Michigan-504043681.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2018). Norovirus. Retrieved January 8th 2019 from https://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/about/index.html