WYOMING — The Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) has announced that the Norovirus is most likely behind recent reports of illnesses in Wyoming.
Commonly described as “stomach flu” or “food poisoning,” norovirus is spread when people eat contaminated food or touch contaminated surfaces, or through close contact with someone already sick, according to the WDH.
Matt Peterson, WDH surveillance epidemiologist, explains that contamination is not always obvious.
“A kitchen or restroom may look clean, but we’re often talking about extremely tiny amounts of poop or vomit,” Peterson said via press release. “We can’t always see what can unfortunately make us very sick. When people get ill this way, they most often blame the last thing they ate. But that’s not always the case. Illness can hit quickly between 12 to 48 hours after a person has been exposed.”
According to the WDH, people who are sick with norovirus may experience nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, fatigue and sometimes, dehydration. Other viruses and illnesses caused by bacteria contamination such as from E. coli can cause similar symptoms, but norovirus is the most common cause.
“Symptoms usually last from one to three days without causing long-term problems, but when they lead to dehydration, it becomes a serious situation,” Peterson said via press release.
People who become severely ill should call or visit a medical professional. Infants, young children, immune-compromised persons and persons unable to care for themselves, such as the disabled or elderly, are at higher risk for dehydration and could need hospitalization.
“Norovirus illnesses can be prevented,” Peterson said via press release. “It sounds too obvious or simple, but good hand washing and cleaning practices are critical. It’s also important to know people can still be contagious and spread the virus for a few days after they no longer have symptoms.”
Recommended steps to help prevent illness include:
- Frequently wash hands with warm water and soap, especially after using the restroom or changing diapers and before eating or preparing food.
- If ill, stay home from work and school, especially if employed in food-handling, healthcare or child care.
- Ill persons should take extra care to avoid spreading the virus by minimizing contact with other persons while ill and practicing good hygiene.
- Thoroughly clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces immediately after an episode of vomiting or diarrhea with a solution of one cup household bleach per one gallon of water, and let the solution sit for one minute. Always follow manufacturers’ safety precautions.
- Immediately remove and wash contaminated clothing or linens after an episode of illness (use hot water and soap).
- Flush or discard any vomit and/or poop in the toilet and keep the surrounding area clean.
