The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) encourages Iowans to take extra precautions to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses after several recent norovirus outbreaks. State health officials note these incidents have occurred in several communal eating settings, including long-term care facilities and schools. Norovirus is a highly contagious illness that generally spreads from person to person through contaminated foods or surfaces. Common symptoms of norovirus are nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain, and it can lead to severe dehydration in severe cases. IDPH staff recommends Iowans in communal eating settings practice proper hand hygiene, especially before eating and after using the restroom, and to handle and prepare food properly. For more information on norovirus, follow the link included below.
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https://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/about/index.html