Officials with the Health Department of Northwest Michigan are concerned about an increase in Norovirus complaints targeting the area.
Often referred to as the "stomach flu", the 24-hour illness causing fever and vomiting is currently circulating throughout northern Michigan.
"Norovirus, not an influenza virus, is the most likely culprit," said Joshua Meyerson, MD, Medical Director for the Health Department of Northwest Michigan. "It's very common for Norovirus to circulate this time of year."
The symptoms of Norovirus usually include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramping. Sometimes people have a low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and a general sense of tiredness. The illness is usually brief, with symptoms lasting only one or two days.
Norovirus is very contagious and spread easily from person to person. People can become infected in several ways, including eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated by infected food handlers, touching contaminated surfaces or objects and then touching their mouths, or having direct contact with another person who is infected and then touching their mouths. Persons working in day-care centers or nursing homes should pay special attention to children or residents who have Norovirus illness because the virus can spread quickly.
"Good hand washing is your best defense against all kinds of communicable diseases, including viruses," Meyerson said.
Since the virus is passed in vomit and stool, children should not go to daycare or school while they have diarrhea or vomiting. Once illness ends, children can return to daycare, but hand washing must be strictly monitored. Persons who work in nursing homes, take care of patients, or handle food should stay out of work for at least three days after their symptoms end.
You can decrease your chance of coming into contact with Noroviruses by-
· Frequent hand washing with warm soap and water
· Promptly disinfecting contaminated surfaces with household chlorine bleach-based cleaners
· Washing soiled clothing and linens
· Avoiding food or water from sources that may be contaminated.
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