The Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) has reported a significant uptick in norovirus cases across the state, with the trend starting in mid-December. Elevated levels of the virus have been detected in community wastewater, indicating widespread circulation.
Norovirus, often mislabeled as the “stomach flu” or “food poisoning,” leads to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fatigue. While these symptoms generally resolve within one to three days, they can lead to dehydration, particularly dangerous for infants, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.
Matt Peterson, a WDH surveillance epidemiologist, explains that norovirus is transmitted through contaminated food, surfaces, or close contact with sick individuals. The contamination might not be visible, as it involves minuscule amounts of vomit or feces.
“People often attribute their illness to the last meal they ate, but symptoms can appear 12 to 48 hours post-exposure,” Peterson noted. He emphasized the urgency of prevention, especially with schools and community activities resuming full pace after the holiday season.
To curb the spread of norovirus, the WDH recommends:
- Frequent Hand Washing: Use warm water and soap, particularly after using the bathroom, changing diapers, or before eating and preparing food.
- Isolation: If you’re sick, stay home from work, especially if you work in food handling, healthcare, or childcare. Avoid close contact with others to prevent spread.
- Hygiene Practices: If ill, practice meticulous hygiene to limit the spread of the virus even after symptoms subside.
- Laundry and Cleaning: Wash contaminated clothing or linens in hot water and soap immediately after an illness episode. Use a bleach solution (1 cup per gallon of water) for disinfecting surfaces, ensuring a one-minute contact time for effectiveness.
- Proper Disposal: Handle vomit and feces with care, ensuring they are disposed of in the toilet and the area around is cleaned promptly.
Peterson stressed the importance of these preventive measures to manage what could be a challenging norovirus season. For more severe cases or those at risk of dehydration, seeking medical advice is advisable.
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