Community Corner

Public Health Department Sees Spike in Norovirus Reports

Outbreaks of the gastrointestinal illness have occurred in Washtenaw County throughout December.

The Washtenaw County Public Health Department is warning residents about the serious threat posed by the norovirus after at least one outbreak was confirmed in the county this month.

Noroviruses are highly contagious viruses that cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramping, the department said in a press release. Some people also experience headache, low grade fever, and body aches. Symptoms usually last for 24 to 48 hours.

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 norovirus and then touching the mouth, and by having direct contact with a person who is infected and showing symptoms, the department said.

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Epidemiologist Laura Bauman told Ann Arbor.com that the county has heard from a couple of nursing homes and a private party of 25 people that experienced viruslike symptoms recently.

To prevent the spread of the virus, health officials are encouraging residents to

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  • Wash your hands frequently.
  • Stay home if you are ill.
  • Disinfect with a bleach-based cleaning solution.
  • Do not prepare food for others if you are ill.

If you became ill after eating at a restaurant, call the Department of Environmental Health at 734-222-3800.

For more information on the norovirus, visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website.


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