Norovirus outbreak again in Wyoming
January 30, 2024
Norovirus, a well-known cause, may be behind a recent increase in reported illnesses in Wyoming, according to the Wyoming State Department of Health (WDH). That's what it means.
Norovirus, commonly referred to as “gastroenteritis” or “food poisoning,” is spread when people eat contaminated food, touch contaminated surfaces, or have close contact with someone who is already sick.
WDH surveillance epidemiologist Matt Peterson said contamination is often not obvious. “The kitchen and bathroom may look clean, but it's the tiny amounts of poop and vomit that are a problem. Unfortunately, we always know what can make us seriously ill. “I can't,” he said.
“When you get sick like this, most of the time you blame it on the last thing you ate,” Peterson says. “But that's not always the case. He can develop the disease rapidly within 12 to 48 hours after becoming infected.”
If you are infected with norovirus, you may experience nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, fatigue, and sometimes dehydration. Other viruses and diseases caused by bacterial contamination, such as E. coli, can cause similar symptoms, but norovirus is the most common cause.
“Symptoms usually last one to three days without causing long-term problems, but they can become serious if they cause dehydration,” Peterson says.
If you develop severe symptoms, you may need to call or visit a health care professional. People who are unable to take care of themselves, such as infants, young children, people with weakened immune systems, the disabled and the elderly, are at higher risk of dehydration and may require hospitalization.
“Norovirus infections are preventable,” Peterson says. “It may sound too obvious or too simple, but good hand washing and cleaning habits are extremely important. Remember that you can still be contagious and spread the virus for several days even if your symptoms are gone. It is also important to keep
Recommended steps to prevent illness include:
• Wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap, especially after using the toilet or changing diapers, and before eating or preparing food.
• Stay home from work or school if you are sick, especially if you work in food handling, medical care, or child care.
• Sick people should take special care to avoid spreading the virus by minimizing contact with others and practicing good hygiene while sick.
• Immediately after vomiting or diarrhea, thoroughly clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces using a solution of 1 cup of household bleach per gallon of water and let the solution sit for 1 minute. Always follow the manufacturer's safety instructions.
• After the onset of illness, immediately remove and wash contaminated clothing and linens (using hot water and soap).
• Keep the surrounding area clean by flushing or throwing away vomit and poop.
