Huron County, ON – The Huron County Health Unit is seeing an increase in stomach-related illness across the county. Residents can stop the spread of infection by staying home when sick.
Public Health Inspector Roxana Nassiri says the recent illness is likely caused by Norovirus. Noroviruses cause sudden onset of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Symptoms can also include low-grade fever, chills, headache, tiredness and muscle aches. Illness lasts 24 to 48 hours.
Norovirus spreads easily, usually through person-to-person contact. The virus enters a person’s mouth through contaminated food, water or hands. Hands can become contaminated by close personal contact, sharing objects or touching the same surfaces as someone who has the virus.
“You can avoid spreading Norovirus by staying home when sick,” says Nassiri. “If your children are sick, keep them home from daycare until they have been symptom-free for 48 hours.”
Healthcare workers, food handlers and caregivers, including daycare staff, should not return to work until 48 hours after symptoms have resolved. Nassiri adds that if you feel ill, you should not visit elderly residents in long-term care facilities.
You can also stop the spread of infection by cleaning and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces such as counters, doorknobs and remote controls.
Frequent hand washing with warm running water and soap for at least 20 seconds is also important. Hands should be cleaned after using the washroom, after changing diapers, after shaking hands and before preparing and eating food.
You can be reinfected with Norovirus even after you have recovered. There is no specific treatment, but it is important to get plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
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TO FIND OUT MORE…
Our media contact is: Rita Marshall, Communications Co-ordinator, Huron County Health Unit, 519-482-3416 or toll-free 1-877-837-6143 ext. 2023.
Our spokesperson on this topic is: Roxana Nassiri, Public Health Inspector. The Communications Co-ordinator will connect you to our spokesperson on this topic.