Key Facts from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)

Norovirus is highly contagious (spreadable) and can affect all ages. Norovirus can occur any time of the year, but it is most common in the winter.

Diarrhea or vomiting spreads easily by direct contact with an infected person (like shaking hands) or touching a contaminated surface and then touching your mouth.

 Symptoms of Norovirus & Risk Factors

    Within 12 hours of exposure:

• Nausea   
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach Pain

Anyone can be infected with norovirus, but serious complications can occur in the very young, the elderly, and people with chronic health conditions. Norovirus does not respond to antibiotics, but most people get better in 1 to 3 days. Contact your healthcare provider if you have a decrease in urine, dry mouth and throat, or feel dizzy when standing up.

For more information visit:  www.cdc.gov/flu/about/index.html

Protect Yourself & Others

Carefully wash your hands, food, and laundry.

Wash your hands with soap and water for a full minute, especially after using the toilet or changing a diaper, and before preparing, eating, or handling food.

Carefully wash fruits/vegetables, and cook oysters and other shell- fish thoroughly before eating them.

Handle soiled laundry with plastic gloves; machine wash in hot water and machine dry.

Drink plenty of fluids.

Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, and do not prepare food for others until you have not had any symptoms for two days.

Clean and disinfect surfaces.

Clean and disinfect surfaces soiled with vomit or diarrhea with diluted bleach or other disinfectant effective against norovirus.