Health Officials Warn Norovirus Activity Is On The Rise
DETROIT (WWJ) - Health officials say a highly contagious sickness is on the rise in metro Detroit.
The Wayne County Department of Health, Veterans and Community Wellness says they've been dealing with an recent increase in reports of gastrointestinal illness.
Officials say it's likely that Norovirus -- a group of viruses responsible for causing gastroenteritis in people -- is responsible for many of the illnesses.
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramping. Some people also experience headache, low grade fever, and body aches. The Norovirus infection usually occurs 24 to 48 hours after you have been exposed to the virus. Symptoms of Norovirus can last a few days in healthy individuals but can become progressively worse in children, the elderly, and those with a compromised immune system.
Norovirus is highly contagious and can spread easily from person to person. The virus is found in the stool and vomit of infected people. Norovirus is transmitted by eating contaminated food (food that was prepared or handled by another ill person), by touching surfaces or objects (such as doorknobs, faucets, handles, etc.) contaminated with the virus and then touching the mouth, and by having direct contact with a person who is infected and showing symptoms.
To prevent the spread of Norovirus:
• Wash your hands frequently
• Stay home if you are ill
• Clean and disinfect surfaces where vomit or diarrhea have occurred with a bleach-based cleaning solution
• Do not prepare food for others if you are ill
• Wash contaminated laundry thoroughly and immediately