The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reminding Iowans to take additional steps to prevent the spread of norovirus during gatherings with friends and family during Christmas and New Year’s following several outbreaks over the last month. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), norovirus is highly contagious and associated with symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. The pathogen spreads through contaminated objects, and sudden outbreaks are generally linked to gatherings where an infected person is present. State health officials say the most effective way to prevent the spread of norovirus, as well as many other diseases, is to stay home when ill and wash your hands regularly, especially before eating or using food serving utensils. Illness generally lasts for a few days, and most people recover with no long-term health concerns. However, hospitalizations are not uncommon if a patient becomes dehydrated. The IDPH, in conjunction with county public health partners, have investigated at least six confirmed or suspected norovirus outbreaks since Thanksgiving. For more information on norovirus and what you can do to avoid an outbreak, follow the links included below.
_____
https://idph.iowa.gov/cade/disease-information/norovirus
