The state Department of Health says a laboratory confirmed a norovirus outbreak at a Hilo long-term care facility was resolved and cases among the general public on the Big Island remain sporadic. ADVERTISING The state Department of Health says a
The state Department of Health says a laboratory confirmed a norovirus outbreak at a Hilo long-term care facility was resolved and cases among the general public on the Big Island remain sporadic.
A epidemiology specialist “provided infection-control recommendations” for the long-term care home during the early February outbreak. The DOH did not name the care home.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says norovirus is the most common cause of contagious gastrointestinal ailments in the United States.
Norovirus is a virus that causes inflammation of the stomach, intestines or both. Symptoms can include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and stomach pain, sometimes along with fever, headache and/or body aches, according to the CDC.
The risk, especially for children, elderly people and people with other illnesses, is dehydration because of repeated diarrhea and vomiting.
Anna Koethe, public health information coordinator with the DOH, said people who are food handlers or direct care health providers “should not work if they are experiencing symptoms of vomiting or diarrhea.”
To prevent the spread of norovirus, she said, the disease investigation branch of the DOH recommends frequent hand washing, “particularly prior to making or consuming food.”
That’s especially important after using the toilet or changing diapers, according to the CDC.
“Noroviruses can be found in your vomit or stool even before you start feeling sick. The virus can stay in your stool for two weeks or more after you feel better,” the CDC’s prevention notice says. “So, it is important to continue washing your hands often during this time.”
After vomiting or diarrhea, the CDC recommends washing contaminated surfaces with a bleach solution containing 5 to 25 tablespoons of household bleach per gallon of water. Also, wash laundry thoroughly.
People get norovirus when they touch a surface contaminated with human feces or vomit and then touch their nose, eyes or mouth without first scrubbing their hands. Feces and vomit get on the surface when someone touches the surface without first washing his or her hands after vomiting or diarrhea.
Norovirus is typically not fatal. But it includes stomach pain that can cause discomfort for a couple of days.
Email Jeff Hansel at jhansel@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
