Norovirus circulating in Washtenaw County, officials say
The highly contagious virus that can cause vomiting, diarrhea and low-grade fevers has been spreading quickly in clusters around the county, the Washtenaw County Health Department said Friday.
Officials have seen a recent big uptick in reports of a norovirus in the county and believe it has been circulating for about a month. A norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramping, as well as a headache, low-grade fever and body aches in some people. Symptoms last about one to two days.
“It’s extremely unpleasant,” said county Epidemiologist Laura Bauman. And because it’s so contagious, residents are being asked to be extra careful to stop the spread of the illness.
For instance, the virus can live at room temperature on surfaces for days. It can be spread through airborne particles, so if a person vomits, those virus particles can be inhaled by others in the immediate vicinity.
The virus is also shed through a person’s stool for up to two weeks, allowing it to continue to spread. Officials said it's extremely important for day care workers and restaurant workers to be diligent about cleaning properly and cleaning often.
Problem is, the norovirus is only killed by bleach, Bauman said. The state released a guide to different ratios of water and bleach to effectively kill the virus on surfaces.
Be careful about the cleaning supplies you purchase: Officials say many assume products, like Clorox wipes, contain bleach - but they don’t contain it unless the active ingredient in the cleaner says it contains sodium hypochlorite or NaOCl.
Recommendations also include frequent hand-washing and avoiding others and avoiding food preparation if you're ill. If people believe they became ill after eating at a restaurant, they can report it at www.reportfoodpoisoning.com or call 734-222-3800.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control also suggests carefully washing fruits and vegetables, and steaming oysters before eating them. Immediately remove and wash clothing and linens with hot water and soap after an episode of illness.
According to the CDC, there is no vaccine or treatment, including antibiotics, for those infected. One of the most common complications from being infected with the virus is dehydration, and those who are ill should drink plenty of liquids.
In a piece of good news, no bouts of the seasonal flu have been reported yet this flu season, and the last confirmed case of H1N1 flu reported to the county was two weeks ago, Bauman said.
Tina Reed covers health and the environment for AnnArbor.com. You can reach her at tinareed@annarbor.com, call her at 734-623-2535 or find her on Twitter @TreedinAA.
Comments
bjb
Sat, Feb 13, 2010 : 7:43 a.m.
It's now in Oakland County. About 20 people who attended a funeral visitation all came down with it and now it's spreading to other unsuspecting people.
ArgoC
Sun, Feb 7, 2010 : 1:29 p.m.
Also from the CDC: "People infected with norovirus are contagious from the moment they begin feeling ill to at least 3 days after recovery. Some people may be contagious for as long as 2 weeks after recovery."
ArgoC
Sun, Feb 7, 2010 : 1:28 p.m.
According to the CDC: "Symptoms of norovirus illness usually begin about 24 to 48 hours after ingestion of the virus, but they can appear as early as 12 hours after exposure."
Julie
Sat, Feb 6, 2010 : 8:03 p.m.
I got this last year. My entire office was infected by food that was brought in, prepared by a worker who apparently wasn't clear (we had to report it, and it was tested and was in fact noro). I had the lunch at noon on Friday, and I was sick by Saturday evening. And it was utterly miserable.
Sherry
Sat, Feb 6, 2010 : 2:11 p.m.
I live in a home where 4 people who live here go into Public places everyday and my husband goes to a place where this kind of germ could be highly there. I have 3 more who work in stores. I myself do not go out that often but I need to know something that was left out and that is once a person is exposed what is the incubation for this flu. I so do not want it nor do I want anyone in my home to have it. I also missed out on the way you mix the clorox and water together to clean. I need to know as we will clean everything in sight and I for one will scrub the toilet seat with this mixture. Thank you for all the info. Just left out the incubation time.
ArgoC
Sat, Feb 6, 2010 : 11:15 a.m.
This is a more-that-usually complete article, thanks! I'd like an additional piece of information - after ingesting/breathing the virus, how long does it take before symptoms show up?
Bill
Sat, Feb 6, 2010 : 11:13 a.m.
http://www.annarbor.com/news/norovirus-circulating-washtenaw-county-officials-say/www.reportfoodpoisoning.com link does not work. use www.reportfoodpoisoning.com
Tom Joad
Sat, Feb 6, 2010 : 8:41 a.m.
Think of Ann Arbor as a giant cruise ship, bon voyage!
News Watcher
Sat, Feb 6, 2010 : 8:33 a.m.
Ummmm... aren't these also the symptoms for H1N1? Fever, vomiting, diarrhea, body aches, headache is all H1N1. I guess perhaps this norovirus doesn't give you a cough that lingers for weeks afterwards. Good to know there's always a variety of germs out there!
tidge
Fri, Feb 5, 2010 : 9:33 p.m.
The chemical formula for Sodium Hypochlorite in 'household bleach' is NaOCl, not NaOC1. Subtle perhaps.
A Pretty Ann Arbor
Fri, Feb 5, 2010 : 6:36 p.m.
Had this once in my lifetime, never ever want to have it again!