The 2015-2016 Norovirus season has begun. VDH’s syndromic surveillance team found gastrointestinal illness activity in hospital emergency departments and urgent care centers has passed the baseline threshold as of January 16th, 2016.
Norovirus is a very contagious virus that can quickly infect and affect individuals in our community causing acute gastroenteritis. Common symptoms include rapid onset of stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can be spread by infected persons, contaminated food or water, or by contaminated surfaces.
There is no vaccine or drug to prevent or treat norovirus. In addition, infected persons can still be contagious days after their symptoms subside. The best was to reduce the chance of getting norovirus is to follow these basic preventative steps:
- Practice proper hygiene
- Take care in the kitchen
- Do not prepare food while infected
- Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces
- Wash laundry thoroughly
- CDC Information on Norovirus
- Key Infection Prevention Recommendations (CDC)
- Viral Gastroenteritis Control Guidelines (VDH)