Public Health Sudbury and Districts is advising the public of increased reports of gastrointestinal illness, likely norovirus
There are increased reports of gastrointestinal illness in the region, likely due to norovirus.
The stomach illness spreads easily, so Public Health Sudbury and Districts is urging people to wash their hands.
“Handwashing with soap and water is the single most effective way to stop the spread of norovirus. Shared spaces and commonly touched surfaces should also be cleaned and disinfected regularly,” Public Health’s Health Protection Division manager Jonathan Groulx said in a media release.
“These simple actions help protect those most at risk, especially in child care and shared living settings.”
Public Health urges people to wash their hands well with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom and before eating or preparing food. Those who are ill should not prepare or handle food for others, and should wait at least 48 hours after symptoms have stopped before returning to work, school or child care.
Common surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected, including door handles, bathroom fixtures, tables, toys and other items that are touched often.
Those with symptoms should avoid hospitals or long-term care homes.
The spike in stomach illness has been noted in child-care centres, long-term care homes and other community settings.
In their media release, Public Health notes the illness can have serious impacts on people who are vulnerable, including young children and those with underlying health conditions.
Norovirus symptoms usually start suddenly and often include repeated vomiting and diarrhea, with symptoms typically lasting one to two days. It does not cause cold or flu-like symptoms, such as a cough, runny nose, sore throat or difficulty breathing.
Illness hits 24 to 48 hours after being exposed to the virus in most cases, and people can keep spreading the virus even after symptoms have stopped.
As such, Public Health urges anyone experiencing vomiting or diarrhea to stay home until they have been symptom-free for at least 48 hours.
Most people become sick 24 to 48 hours after being exposed. Even after symptoms have stopped, people can still spread the virus. Anyone experiencing vomiting or diarrhea should stay home until they have been symptom-free for at least 48 hours. This is a key step in preventing its spread, especially to people who may become very ill.
Norovirus is found in the vomit and feces of people who are sick, and it usually spreads through unwashed hands, when the virus is passed from hands to mouth or to food. Norovirus can also spread through shared items and hard surfaces.
To learn more about norovirus and the importance of handwashing, visit phsd.ca or phone Public Health at 705-522-9200, ext. 464 (toll-free 1-866-522-9200).