This is the time of year when we hear a lot about the an increase in the number of flu cases. But there is another virus that infects more than 21 million people in the u.s every year that doesn't get as much attention.
Sarpy-Cass County Health Department Director Sarah Schram says norovirus is a bad stomach bug that causes diarrhea, vomiting, nausia and stomach pain.
It can include fever and body ahces. The norovirus can last several days and there are no medications to prevent or cure it. It spreads fast and is most commonly seen November through April. Symptoms generally develop within 12 to 48 hours after exposure and last 1 to 3 days in otherwise healthy people.
Norovirus is highly contagious and spreads primarily through direct person-to-person contact with infected people, contaminated food or water and contaminated surfaces. It can spread quickly in closed places such as daycare centers, schools, and nursing homes. “You can help protect yourself and others by frequently washing your hands and staying home when you are ill,” Schram says.
The Sarpy/Cass Health Department has these tips to help prevent the spread of Norovirus:
· Do not prepare food if you are ill with Norovirus or Norovirus symptoms for at least three days after you recover.
· Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces with a household bleach solution of up to 1.5 cups of bleach in one gallon of water.
· Practice proper hand hygiene. Wash hands with soap and water, scrub for at least 20 seconds, and rinse thoroughly.