Virus De Jour in San Luis Obispo County Norovirus
The Norovirus has been making the rounds in San Luis Obispo County.
Anyone can get Norovirus infection, and can get it many times since immunity is not long-lasting.
What are the signs and symptoms of Norovirus infection?
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Low grade fever or none at all
People get a Norovirus infection directly from an ill individual who did not wash his hands adequately, or indirectly from food or water contaminated by the stool or vomit from an infected person, or from airborne particles produced by those vomiting. Outbreaks in the United States are commonly linked to food handled by infected food handlers; person-to-person contact especially in day care centers and nursing homes/custodial institutions; and eating raw shellfish, especially oysters and clams that are grown in sewage-contaminated waters.
How can you prevent infection with noroviruses?
You can help prevent infection by doing the following:
- Wash your hands often, especially after using the bathroom and before handling food.
- Wash fruits and vegetables and steam oysters before eating them.
- If you suspect that your drinking water is contaminated, boil water for 1 minute (3 minutes at elevations above 6,500 feet). Then cool and refrigerate it. Water filters will not remove noroviruses.
- Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces immediately after vomiting or having diarrhea by using a bleach-based household cleaner.
- Immediately remove and wash soiled clothing or linens after vomiting or having diarrhea. Use hot water and soap.
- Flush vomit and/or stool in the toilet. And make sure that the surrounding area is kept clean.
- Do not prepare food if you have symptoms of food poisoning and for 3 days after you recover.