According to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reports of norovirus outbreaks are on the rise across Iowa and the United States. The highly contagious virus presents with vomiting and diarrhea, which also poses the greatest risk of transmission. Individuals can remain infectious even before symptoms begin and up to two weeks after recovery. Currently, there is no vaccine or specific treatment for norovirus. The Iowa HHS Center for Acute Disease Epidemiology (CADE) continues investigating reported outbreaks in community and healthcare settings to mitigate further spread. To prevent norovirus, health officials emphasize proper handwashing, especially in communal eating settings, and staying home while sick. For more information about norovirus prevention and guidance, follow the link included below.
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