A gastrointestinal virus or the “Stomach Flu” has been confirmed to be caused by Norovirus. Symptoms of the stomach flu had affected many Richland County residents over the last week or more. The Richland County Health Department received the report on Nov. 1 from the Montana Public Health Lab confirming a positive case of Norovirus in Richland County after stool samples were sent for testing late last week. Residents are strongly urged to take precautions to avoid continued spread.
This virus easily spreads from person to person; therefore the Richland County Health Department is urging residents to follow precautions in preventing further cases.
What to do to prevent infection: Wash hands frequently
STAY HOME UNTIL completely free of symptoms for 48 hours or longer
Wash any contaminated linens with hot, soapy water
Clean non-porous surfaces with disinfectant cleaning wipes with bleach or a bleach solution of 1/3 cup bleach to 1 gallon of water.
Symptoms are usually not serious and include sudden onset nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramping referred to as gastroenteritis. Headache, body aches, fatigue, and low grade fever may also be included. The illness begins 12-48 hours after exposure and is usually brief, with symptoms lasting only about 1 or 2 days, but in some cases longer.
In order to protect others, residents experiencing symptoms are asked to call their medical provider first if/when needed before showing up at the office feeling ill. Please contact your medical provider if experiencing severe dehydration due to symptoms.
Norovirus is usually spread from contact with an infected person - even by being near someone while they are vomiting. Norovirus can be spread by touching a contaminated surface like a door knob, contact with an infected person’s stool or vomit, or by eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Avoid hand to mouth or nose contact as this is how the virus enters the body.
Please if you have any of the above symptoms; AVOID PUBLIC places, work or school until 48 hours after you, last symptom. It takes 48 hours after the last episode of vomiting or diarrhea to no longer be contagious. It is very important to stay home at least 2 days after you “feel” better.
ALSO-anyone working in the food industry like restaurants, kitchens and grocery stores needs to be symptom-free for 72 hours before they can return to work.
Information is on the website at richland.org/health or on CDC’s Norovirus Website (http://cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/gastro/norovirus.htm.)
If you have more questions or concerns about the gastrointestinal virus ( Norovirus) you can contact the Richland County Health Department at 433-2207.
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