The Minnesota Department of Health has obtained greater than 40 reviews of norovirus outbreaks to date this December, nearly twice the same old quantity.
The division defines an outbreak as an incident by which two or extra individuals expertise the same sickness after a typical publicity.
The norovirus, usually known as the abdomen flu, causes vomiting, diarrhea and abdomen cramping.
According to a information launch from the Department of Health, noroviruses are very contagious and are the main reason behind foodborne sickness outbreaks in Minnesota. Most individuals get norovirus round 5 occasions of their life.
“Particularly forward of vacation gatherings, we need to be sure persons are conscious of this improve in norovirus outbreaks and taking steps to stop spreading sickness to household or pals,” mentioned Jessica Hancock-Allen, infectious illness division director with the Department of Health.
To keep away from getting and spreading the virus, the Department of Health recommends that people wash their arms with cleaning soap and water, as most hand sanitizers don’t kill norovirus. Other mitigating steps embody cleansing and disinfecting surfaces, cooking shellfish earlier than consuming it, and never making ready meals for others in case you have been sick inside the final three days.
When contaminated with a norovirus, the sickness tends to go away after one or two days with no long-term well being results. While sick, people ought to drink loads of fluids to assist keep away from turning into dehydrated.
For extra info on the norovirus — and for procedures for companies, colleges and long-term care amenities — go to the Department of Health’s website.
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