The Montana State Public Health Laboratory has confirmed three positive cases in our county on March 25th. This virus easily spreads from person to person; therefore the Richland County Health Department is urging residents to follow precautions in preventing further cases.
Norovirus is usually spread from contact with an infected person - even by being near someone while they are vomiting. Viruses 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.
Symptoms are usually not serious and include sudden onset of any or all of the following - 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.
Treatment of symptoms includes drinking lots of liquids to replace fluid lost from throwing up and diarrhea. Take anti-diarrhea medications per directions if needed. Rest and stay home if possible.
What to do to prevent infection:
· Wash hands frequently with soap and water
· Limit exposure by avoiding groups or visiting others
· 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.
Please Note: Medical Treatment is rarely needed for Norovirus. In order to protect others and prevent the norovirus from spreading, county residents who are experiencing severe symptoms or who have any chronic medical problem that this illness may affect are asked to call their provider first rather than showing up at the office.
if you have any of the above symptoms: AVOID PUBLIC places, work or school until 48 hours after your 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 can be found on CDC’s Website (http://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/index.html).
If you have more questions or concerns about norovirus you may contact the Richland County Health Department at 433-2207.
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