Wyoming Health Officials Warn Residents About Norovirus

Wyoming Department Of Health officials say norovirus is probably the cause of a recent increase in reports of illnesses in the state.

That's according to a WDH news release.

According to the release, people often blame "stomach flu" or "food poisoning''  for the symptoms of norovirus, which is spread by contaminated food, contact with contaminated surfaces, or direct contact with a sick person.

While it can be spread by vomit or feces, just because a kitchen or restroom looks clean doesn't mean it can't spread the virus.

''We’re often talking about extremely tiny amounts of poop or vomit. We can’t always see what can unfortunately make us very sick,” says Matt Peterson WDH surveillance epidemiologist.

Peterson says the virus can take anywhere from 12 to 48 hours before the person feels sick. He says people tend to blame the last thing they ate, but often that isn't accurate.

Symptoms of norovirus include nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhea, and sometimes dehydration. A variety of other infections can cause similar symptoms, including E. Coli. But usually, it's norovirus. Peterson says people can remain ill for 1-3 days without it being a huge issue, but if they get dehydrated that can be serious.

Recommended steps to help prevent illness include:

• Frequently wash hands with warm water and soap, especially after using the restroom or changing diapers, and before eating or preparing food.
• If ill, stay home from work and school, especially if employed in food-handling, healthcare or child care.
• Ill persons should take extra care to avoid spreading the virus by minimizing contact with other persons while ill and practicing good hygiene.
• Thoroughly clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces immediately after an episode of vomiting or diarrhea with a solution of 1 cup household bleach per 1 gallon of water and letting the solution sit for one minute. Always follow manufacturers’ safety precautions.
• Immediately remove and wash contaminated clothing or linens after an episode of illness (use hot water and soap).
• Flush or discard any vomit and/or poop in the toilet and keep the surrounding area clean.