KDHE Investigates Norovirus Outbreak in Pottawatomie County

Pottawatomie County Health Department and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) are investigating an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness. Since early November, more than 70 probable cases have been reported in Pottawatomie County. KDHE has identified norovirus as the cause of illness for one of these cases. The source of the outbreak is unknown, but appears to be spreading person-to-person throughout the community.

"To prevent further spread of norovirus, it is critical that everyone frequently washes their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds," said Dr. Gail Hansen, KDHE State Epidemiologist.

Norovirus is a virus of the stomach that is transmitted by:

• eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated;
• touching surfaces that are contaminated and then touching the hand to the mouth;
• breathing aerosolized infected vomit;
• not washing hands after bathroom use or diapering
• having direct contact with another person who is infected and showing symptoms.

Norovirus symptoms are like those of food poisoning and therefore it is often called the "stomach flu." Symptoms of norovirus include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and some stomach cramping. Some people will suffer from a low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and a general sense of tiredness.

Symptoms develop 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus. The illness often begins suddenly, and the infected person may feel very sick. The illness is usually brief, with symptoms lasting only one to two days and rarely causing long term problems after recovery. Persons suffering from norovirus run the risk of becoming dehydrated and should drink plenty of liquids to replace liquids lost during vomiting and from diarrhea. Norovirus cannot be treated with antibiotics, because it is a virus, and is not caused by bacteria.

The virus is easily spread. People infected with norovirus are contagious from the onset of symptoms until at least three days after recovery. Food handlers should not prepare food for three days after recovery from any diarrheal disease. Symptomatic persons should also refrain from working with the young and the elderly and should not be involved in patient care. Children who are sick must not attend school or day care.

To prevent the spread of norovirus:

• Wash hand frequently, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before preparing food and eating.
• Carefully wash fruits and vegetables.
• Thoroughly clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces, such as bathroom fixtures and toys, with a bleach-based cleaner or other disinfectant.
• Immediately remove and wash clothing and linens with soap and hot water after being soiled.
• Refrain from preparing food or caring for others if you have diarrhea.

Anyone can get norovirus. Many strains of the virus exist, so it is difficult for someone to develop long-lasting immunity to the illness. Norovirus illness can reoccur throughout a person's lifetime.

For more information about health and environment related issues, please visit the KDHE Web site at www.kdheks.gov or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Web site at www.cdc.gov. CDC fact sheets specific to norovirus are available at: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/gastro/norovirus.htm or
www.cdc.gov/ncidod/hip/gastro/norovirus.htm#2.

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