A norovirus outbreak has seen an uptick around the country this winter, with Wisconsin being no exception. The state Department of Health Services reported a record-high number of norovirus outbreaks in December, including a campus outbreak at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
Norovirus is a gastrointestinal virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea, among other symptoms. It spreads largely through contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces. A single infected person can transmit the virus to others who don’t wash their hands properly after coming into contact with it.
According to Megan Meller, an infection preventionist at Gundersen Health System, norovirus is highly contagious and can spread quickly through a household due to how little it takes to get infected. She recommends several strategies for stopping its spread, including having sick family members use separate bathrooms, disinfecting high-touch surfaces with bleach, washing laundry with hot water, and ditching hand sanitizer in favor of soap and water.
Meller emphasizes the importance of hand hygiene, saying that norovirus can’t be removed with hand sanitizer or alcohol gel. The best way to remove it is by washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. It’s also crucial to wash the entire hand, including areas commonly missed like the fingertips, under the nails, and between the fingers.
While norovirus is not life-threatening, it can cause dehydration in vulnerable populations such as young children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals. The CDC reports 900 deaths and 109,000 hospitalizations annually due to norovirus. Meller recommends seeking medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen.
Researchers are working on developing a norovirus vaccine using new mRNA technology, which has shown promise in addressing diseases with multiple subtypes. While it may seem urgent, public health officials take norovirus seriously as a population health problem due to its disruption of daily life and work.
Source: https://www.wpr.org/news/what-to-know-norovirus-stomach-bug-wisconsin