Information regarding the rise in stomach related illnesses:
The Department of Health has been in our building since the start of school today; Monday, 2/6/12. Early indications, though not confirmed at this point, are that we are dealing with a norovirus—we are getting samples. Additionally, none of our cooking staff have reported symptoms of the current illness we are experiencing. The Department of Health has reviewed our food safety protocol to determine whether our processes are at risk and determined that we are more than adequately providing appropriate services and preventive measures. In partnership with the Department of Health, we will be taking additional steps to combat this issue throughout the rest of the week. Most likely, we have peaked on the number of cases we will experience and there is no need to cancel school as exposure has already occurred. Please take notice of the below information.
When reporting your child's illness:
Please include the following information - Date the child got sick, duration, and whether it was respiratory or stomach related.
Who gets a norovirus infection?
Anyone can become infected with noroviruses. There are many different strains of norovirus, which makes it difficult for a person to develop a long-lasting immunity and norovirus infections may occur throughout a person's lifetime. In addition, because of differences in genetic factors, some people are more likely to become infected and develop more severe illness than others.
How are noroviruses spread?
The norovirus enters through the mouth, multiplies in the body, and is passed in the highly infectious stool or vomit of an infected person. If careful hand washing with soap is not done, the virus can be carried on an infected person’s hands. If the infected person then handles food or drink that someone else consumes, the virus can be transmitted to others.
What are the symptoms of a norovirus infection?
The most common symptoms are a sudden onset of vomiting, watery, non-bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea and headache. The symptoms occur in all age groups, but vomiting is more common in children. Many persons may also experience low-grade fever, headache, chills, muscle aches and fatigue.
How soon after exposure will symptoms appear?
The symptoms may appear from 12-60 hours after exposure to the virus, but usually occur within 24-48 hours.
How infectious are noroviruses?
Noroviruses are highly infectious and a very small number of virus particles may result in symptomatic infections. Both stool and vomit are infectious.
For how long is a person infectious?
The virus is very easily passed from person-to-person from the time of symptom onset and up to 48 hours after diarrhea or vomiting.
What is the treatment for this illness?
There is no treatment for this illness. Most people recover in two to three days after they become ill. Supportive treatment such as fluid replacement may be needed to prevent dehydration in severe cases.
What can be done to prevent the spread of noroviruses?
Thorough hand washing following toilet use and before handling food is the best way to prevent the spread of these viruses. Persons currently ill with diarrhea or vomiting should not handle food. Disinfection of frequently used objects is imperative: Doorknobs, faucets, sinks, toilets, commodes, rails, phones, counters, chairs, desks, light switches, and keyboards. Chlorine bleach concentrations will work best – 1/3 cup bleach in 1 gallon of water.
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