Norovirus cases high in Sudbury right now

The Sudbury and District Health Unit has said it continues to see increased gastrointestinal illness in the community and in long-term care homes and daycares.

The illnesses are likely caused by norovirus, says the health unit.

Norovirus is present in the stool and vomit of individuals who are infected. It is spread primarily through person-to-person contact, or contamination of food prepared by a person who is ill or has been ill recently and did not wash their hands properly.

Symptoms of a norovirus infection usually begin suddenly and can include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, body aches, and sometimes fever. People typically become ill 24 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus, and symptoms usually last from one to two days. People should be aware that they can continue to spread the virus for up to several days after the symptoms stop.

Although there is no specific treatment for norovirus, drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration is recommended.

“Anyone who has symptoms should stay away from vulnerable people and places such as hospitals, long-term care homes, and daycares, for at least 48 hours after symptoms stop,” said Dr. Penny Sutcliffe, the health unit's medical officer of health, in a press release. “This will help avoid spreading the virus. Hospital patients and long-term care home residents are particularly at risk due to their potentially weakened immune systems.”

Follow these precautions to help prevent becoming sick with or spreading norovirus:

-Wash your hands thoroughly, especially after using the bathroom, before eating or preparing food, as well as prior to entering and leaving a long-term care home, hospital, or daycare.

-Do not handle or prepare food for anyone if you are ill.

-Do not visit anyone in a hospital or long-term care home if you are ill.

-Stay home if you are ill and for two days after your symptoms stop.

-Carefully clean up vomit and feces, wash or discard anything that was contaminated with vomit or feces, and disinfect all surfaces.

-Clean and disinfect washrooms and all common hand contact surfaces if there is someone ill in your home.

For more information and resources about handwashing or norovirus, visit www.sdhu.com or by calling 705-522-9200, ext. 464, toll-free 1-866-522-9200.