FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                              Connecticut Department of Public Health

December 21, 2012                                                    Contact: William Gerrish

                                                                                   (860) 509-7270

Hartford – The Department of Public Health asks residents to spread holiday cheer and not noroviruses this holiday season.

Noroviruses, commonly known as the “stomach flu,” are a group of viruses that can cause inflammation of the stomach and intestines, leading to vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramping. Other symptoms can include low-grade fever or chills, headache, and muscle aches.

Noroviruses are very contagious and are the leading cause of foodborne illness outbreaks, infecting thousands of people each year, said state health officials. Found in the stool (feces) or vomit of infected people, the viruses are transferred to food, water or surfaces by the hands of infected people who have not washed adequately after using the bathroom.

“Norovirus can be a very nasty virus and a miserable couple of days for somebody unfortunate enough to become infected,” said DPH Epidemiologist, Dr. Matthew Cartter. “People can protect themselves and others from norovirus by taking simple steps like washing their hands often, cleaning and disinfecting common surfaces, like doorknobs and handrails, and not preparing food if they are not feeling well.”

November through January is the peak time of year for norovirus infections. It's not unusual to see a spike in cases around the holidays. People become infected with norovirus by:

• Eating food or drinking liquids contaminated by an infected person.
• Eating uncooked shellfish that has been harvested from contaminated waters.
• Touching contaminated surfaces or objects and then touching their mouth or eating without washing their hands first.

Norovirus can be highly contagious and it is important to take steps to prevent it. Things you can do include:

• Wash your hands with warm, soapy water for 20 seconds:
  • After using the bathroom.
  • After changing diapers.
  • Before preparing foods
  • Before eating
• Wash your hands more often when someone in your household is sick.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces with a household bleach solution immediately after vomiting or diarrheal accidents.
• Steam oysters before eating them.
• Avoid preparing food for others while you have symptoms and for at least three days after you recover.

Symptoms of norovirus usually begin 1 or 2 days after ingesting the virus, but may appear as early as 12 hours after exposure. The illness typically comes on suddenly. The infected person may feel very sick and vomit often, sometimes without warning, many times a day. Sometimes people infected with norovirus have no symptoms at all, but can still pass the virus to others.

Most people recover in 1 or 2 days and have no long-term health effects. Dehydration can be a concern in the very young, the elderly, or people with weakened immune systems. Occasionally infected people may experience milder symptoms for a week or more. Of note, even after people recover they still remain infectious to others for at least several days.

If you develop norovirus symptoms, drink plenty of fluids so you don't become dehydrated, wash your hands often and don't prepare food for others, and contact your health care provider.

For more information on norovirus, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at: http://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/.

The Connecticut Department of Public Health is the state’s leader in public health policy and advocacy with a mission to protect and promote the health and safety of the people of our state.  To contact the department, please visit its website at www.ct.gov/dph or call (860) 509-7270.

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