Norovirus outbreak detected in Wyoming

Had an unsettled stomach recently? You’re not alone, according to the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH).

Numerous reports of illnesses in Wyoming appear to be related to a norovirus outbreak, which causes symptoms including nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, fatigue and dehydration. Though other illnesses such as E.coli bacterial contamination can cause similar symptoms, norovirus is the most common culprit.

“Stomach flu” or “food poisoning”, as norovirus is commonly referred to, is spread through contaminated food and beverages, or when people touch contaminated surfaces or have close contact with someone who is already sick.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), norovirus spreads easily and quickly and outbreaks are most common between November and April. It’s possible to get norovirus illness many times in your life because there are many different types of norovirus, so infection with one type may not protect you against others.

The contamination that spreads norovirus can be invisible to the naked eye.

“We’re often talking about extremely tiny amounts of poop or vomit. We can’t see it, but it can make us very sick,” said Matt Peterson, surveillance epidemiologist, in a WDH press release.

“When people get ill this way, they most often blame the last thing they ate, but norovirus and bacterial illness can spread through many routes other than just eating food.”

According to the CDC, people who are infected with norovirus can shed billions of norovirus particles, but it only takes a few particles to make other people sick.

Symptoms of norovirus generally appear between 12 and 48 hours after exposure and can last between one and three days. They typically go away without causing long-term problems.

However, dehydration can cause the illness to become more severe and may require the assistance of a medical professional. According to the CDC, symptoms of dehydration include a decrease in urination, dry mouth and throat and dizziness when standing up, while children who are dehydrated may cry with few or no tears or be unusually sleepy or fussy.

Young children, immunocompromised people and those who are not able to care for themselves, such as the elderly and disabled, are at higher risk for dehydration and may need hospitalization.

“Norovirus illness can be prevented,” said Peterson. “It sounds too simple, but, truly, good hand washing is critical. People can still be contagious and spread the virus for a few days after they no longer have symptoms.”

The WDH recommends frequent hand washing to help prevent illness – especially after using the restroom, changing diapers or before eating and preparing food – as well as staying home if ill; minimizing contact with other persons; thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting contaminated surfaces immediately after an episode of vomiting or diarrhea with one cup of household bleach per gallon of water; immediately washing contaminated clothing or linens after an episode of illness; flushing or discarding any poop or vomit in the toilet and keeping the surrounding area clean.