Increase in Stomach Virus

The Health Department is investigating more than 200 cases of stomach viruses -- including norovirus, shigella, and rotavirus -- at local facilities caring for adults and children. To protect yourself from these diseases, it is important that you take these precautions:

• Wash hands frequently, especially after going to the bathroom, changing diapers, before eating and prior to preparing food
• Stay home when you are sick -- and keep your children home when they are sick.
• Carefully wash fruits and vegetables, and cook foods thoroughly before eating them
• Thoroughly clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces immediately after an episode of illness by using a bleach-based household cleaner
• Immediately remove and wash clothing or linens that may be contaminated with the virus after an episode of illness (use hot water and soap)
• Flush or discard any vomit and/or stool in the toilet and make sure that the surrounding area is kept clean

Persons infected with norovirus should not prepare food while they have symptoms and for three days after they recover from their illness. Food that may have been contaminated by an ill person should be thrown away.