Norovirus outbreak tracked to long term care facility

GREENVILLE, N.C. - Cases of Norovirus are being reported all across the state, including right here in the east.

Pitt County Public Health officials declared an outbreak in the county when they discovered the virus at a long term care facility in Greenville called Sterling House.

Viruses are known to spread quickly at those types of facilities because people live close together, but health officials say that’s common during this time of year.

There are no early warning signs like a cough or a runny nose; in fact, the only sign comes when it's too late.

"No, it just literally hits you and you know," said Amy Belflower-Thomas an epidemiologist at Pitt County Public Health, "We're talking nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, very acute onset comes on really quickly out of no where."

Belflower-Thomas’ department has been investigating the outbreak and she say it's a virus that isn't pretty.

"While you have it, it's pretty bad for those 24 hours," said Belflower-Thomas.

Some of you on Facebook know, first hand, what Belflower-Thomas was talking about.  Like Chelsea Yoder who said, "Yes I was diagnosed with GI virus today. I was given meds for my nausea & told to do the "BRAT" diet. (Bananas, rice, applesauce, & toast)."

"Absolutely, that's exactly what we're talking about,” said Belflower-Thomas, “The same thing, ginger ale, crackers, that same sort of stuff really nice bland food."

We also asked Belflower-Thomas about Clifton Pyle's comment saying, "I stick with the navel orange diet when something like this hits. Something in navel oranges that is a bit stronger than plain oranges."

"You know, people talk about that with flu and other things.  If you feel like it works for you, then we say, go for it," said Belflower-Thomas.

Belflower-Thomas says there a very few complications with the norovirus other than dehydration that could be dangerous for children and older adults.

"It's very transmittable and it just kind of spreads like wildfire," said Belflower-Thomas.

Julie Pulliam on Facebook saying, “It seemed in our situation the women had more throwing up and the men had more the other end. It is an intense virus, I would definitely avoid anyone who has it.”

Belflower-Thomas answer was, "Not between men and women, more with kids versus adults."

Belflower-Thomas says kids tend to have more vomiting, while adults tend to show all the signs.

If you or a loved one contracts the norovirus, the best thing to do is call your doctor, keep away from others and simply wait for it to pass.