WDH warns that norovirus is doing the rounds

Norovirus is doing the rounds in Wyoming, according to the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH).

An increase in outbreaks began in mid-December and wastewater testing has confirmed there are elevated levels of circulating norovirus.

Norovirus is a particularly contagious illness that can remain in a person’s feces for two weeks or more after they feel better and can be found in vomit or feces even before the person starts feeling ill.

The Centers for Disease Control recommends taking steps to curb the spread and protect yourself, including hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the toilet or changing diapers, before eating or handling food or before administering medicine.

Hand sanitizer is not effective against norovirus and is not a good substitute for hand washing.

The CDC also recommends taking extra care when cooking. Contaminated food may look, smell and taste completely normal.

Noroviruses also don’t mind high temperatures and are able to survive in conditions as high as 145 degrees F. Quick steaming will not kill norovirus off.

Wash fruit and vegetables well and cook shellfish to an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees. Routinely clean and sanitize your kitchen and implements, especially after handling shellfish.

Keep raw oysters away from ready-to-eat food.

If someone in your household shows symptoms of possible norovirus, make sure to wipe down any areas where someone has vomited or had diarrhea using disposable gloves and then disinfect thoroughly with a bleach solution of one cup of household bleach per gallon of water. Leave bleach disinfectant on the area of at least five minutes, then clean the area again with soap and hot water.

Wash any linens and clothes with vomit or feces on them with detergent and hot water at the maximum available cycle length and machine dry them at the highest heat setting. The CDC recommends wearing disposable gloves and washing your hands afterwards.

If you experience symptoms, the WDH recommends staying home from work or school – especially if you are involved with food handling, healthcare or childcare.

Matt Peterson, WDH surveillance epidemiologist, says contamination is frequently not obvious.

“A kitchen or restroom may look clean, but we’re often talking about extremely tiny amounts of poop or vomit. We can’t always see what can unfortunately make us very sick,” he says.

Norovirus causes nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, fatigue and sometimes dehydration. Its symptoms are similar to those caused by other viruses and illnesses caused by bacteria contamination, such as E. coli, but norovirus is most common.

“When people get ill this way, they most often blame the last thing they ate,” Peterson says. “However, illness can hit quickly between 12 to 48 hours after a person has been exposed.”

The WDH warns that symptoms usually clear within three days without causing long-term problems, but norovirus can create a serious situation if they lead to dehydration.

Infants and young children, people with compromised immune systems and the disabled and elderly are at higher risk of dehydration and may require hospitalization.

“Norovirus illnesses can be prevented. It sounds too obvious or simple, but good hand washing and cleaning practices are critical. It’s also important to know people can still be contagious and spread the virus for a few days after they no longer have symptoms,” Peterson says.

“With school and other activities back in full swing after the holidays, it may be a tough norovirus season if people are not proactive about prevention strategies.”