Norovirus May Be Causing Illness Here

By: Mary Fournier, Information and Communications Carteret County Health Department | WNCT
Published: March 04, 2010

Morehead City, NC – Carteret County Health Department is getting reports from the community that some residents are becoming ill with gastrointestinal symptoms. It may be that Norovirus is the cause. Other parts of the state are experiencing similar types of illness. Norovirus is spread person-to-person or by contact with contaminated surfaces. Noroviruses are a group of viruses that cause acute gastrointestinal illness, causing symptoms that may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping. Some people also have a low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and fatigue. The illness often starts suddenly and lasts 1 to 2 days. Children may experience more vomiting than adults. There is no treatment for this virus and testing is not needed except in certain situations.

Dr. J. T. Garrett, Health Director stresses that, “It is important for ill children and adults with these symptoms to remain home at least 48 hours after their symptoms have gone away in order to make sure they have recovered and so that they will not pass on the illness to others. Also, we know that hand sanitizers are not as effective against Norovirus as soap and warm water, so please wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds, especially after toilet visits and before preparing or eating food or drink.”

Here are some other suggested measures for households experiencing this type of illness: clean and disinfect surfaces contaminated with vomit/stool immediately using a bleach-based household cleaner, or dilute household bleach 1:10 in water – never use concentrated bleach; remove and wash soiled clothing, towels or bed linens in hot water and detergent; take a shower several times a day while actively sick with vomiting or diarrhea; persons with Norovirus should not prepare food while they have symptoms and for 2 to 3 days after they recover from their illness; and be sure to dispose of food that may have been contaminated.

Although people feel very sick, most get better in a couple of days and have no long-term health effects. However, it is important to keep watch on the very young, the elderly and those with other illnesses, to make sure they do not become dehydrated from not being able to replace the liquids their bodies are losing. Contact your physician if you have concerns.

For more information, contact your physician, or call the Health Department at 252.728.8550. More specific information about cleaning and disinfecting procedures can be found at the NC Division of Public Health website www.ncpublichealth.com.