More than 40 outbreaks of norovirus — typically referred to as “abdomen flu” — have been reported to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to date this December, nearly twice the same old quantity.
Noroviruses trigger vomiting, diarrhea and abdomen cramping. Other signs can embrace low‐grade fever or chills, complications and muscle aches. Noroviruses are very contagious; they’re the main reason behind foodborne sickness outbreaks in Minnesota and the most typical reason behind short-term diarrhea/vomiting sickness within the United States. Most individuals will get norovirus about 5 occasions of their lifetime.
“Particularly forward of vacation gatherings, we wish to ensure persons are conscious of this enhance in norovirus outbreaks and taking steps to forestall spreading sickness to household or associates,” stated Jessica Hancock-Allen, infectious illness division director at MDH.
Most norovirus diseases and outbreaks could be prevented via good handwashing and acceptable meals dealing with. To forestall getting and spreading norovirus, well being officers advocate that you simply:
- Always wash your arms with cleaning soap and water for 20 seconds earlier than getting ready or consuming meals, and after utilizing the lavatory or altering diapers. Note: most hand sanitizers don’t kill norovirus.
- Do not put together meals for others in any respect you probably have been sick with vomiting or diarrhea within the final three days. Likewise, don’t eat meals ready by somebody who’s ailing with vomiting or diarrhea.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces with a family bleach resolution instantly after surfaces are available contact with vomit or diarrhea.
- Cook oysters and different shellfish earlier than consuming them.
Illness normally goes away in a single or two days with no long-term well being results. People who’re ailing with signs of norovirus ought to drink loads of fluids to assist keep away from changing into dehydrated. If you have got questions or considerations, contact your well being care supplier.
Restaurants, colleges, youngster care, long-term care and comparable services ought to comply with outbreak prevention tips and worker/attendee vomiting and diarrhea sickness exclusions.
For extra data, go to Norovirus Infection.
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