Prevention is the Key to Reducing the Spread of Norovirus (FAQ)

• Norovirus PDF Factsheet for Posting

Why is the Health Unit trying to raise awareness about Norovirus?

There has been an increase in the number of people in our community experiencing episodes of vomiting and diarrhrea. Although the exact cause has not been confirmed, it is highly suspected that the illness is caused by a Norwalk-like virus or Norovirus.

What is Norovirus?

Norovirus is a major cause of outbreaks of gastroenteritis in children and adults. These viruses can cause outbreaks in nursing homes, hospitals, schools, day care centres, businesses, and food premises. The virus appears with one or more of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headache, chills, sore muscles, and a low-grade fever. While vomiting appears to be the main symptom in children, diarrhea is the main symptom in adults.

How do people get it?

People can become infected with the virus by touching surfaces or subjects contaminated with Norovirus and then placing their hand in their mouth. Norovirus illness is spread in a number of different ways:

• Poor hand washing after using the washroom
  
  
• Through the air from infected articles such as clothing and bed linens.
  
  
• Ill people spread the virus through vomiting and coughing
  
  
• Ill food handlers preparing foods that do not require cooking (e.g., sandwiches and salads) have caused outbreaks
  
  
• Eating uncooked shellfish (raw oysters) harvested from polluted waters
  
  
• Eating fruits and vegetables irrigated with contaminated water from streams and rivers

What can people do to reduce the risk of getting Norovirus?

An individual who no longer has the symptoms may still be carrying the virus so it is best for those individuals to wait 48 hours after symptoms have stopped before handling food at home or at work.

At all times, remember:

1. Wash your hands before you eat and after going to the washroom.
   
   
2. Wash fruits and vegetables under warm, running water.
   
   
3. Shellfish such as clams and oysters need to be well cooked.
   
   
4. If you or your children are ill, stay at home, until 48 hours after symptoms have resolved.

How long does Norovirus last and how to you treat it?

• From the time a person is infected to the time they become ill can average between 18 to 48 hours. Symptoms can last anywhere from 12 hours to 60 hours. If the symptoms last more than 72 hours, call your physician.
  
  
• There is no treatment, other than making sure ill people do not get dehydrated. This is especially important in vulnerable populations such as infants and the elderly.
  
  
• To prevent dehydration one should drink 8-10 glasses of water and other fluids such as broth, weak tea, diluted fruit juice and sports drinks.
  
  
• Foods that may contribute to diarrhea (or make it worse) include: milk, fatty foods, gassy vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage), sugary foods, spicy foods and caffeinated beverages.
  
  
• Low-fibre foods that may be tolerated include: crackers, toast, bananas, rice, applesauce, pasta, cooked carrots and boiled potatoes.

For more information, contact the us at 1-800-660-5853 or 613-345-5685.