By NewsDesk  @infectiousdiseasenews

Connecticut state and local health officials are collaborating on the investigation of an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness involving Gerry’s Donuts in Ellington.

Image/CDC

Laboratory testing has confirmed the outbreak has been caused by norovirus.

Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. People of all ages can get infected and sick with norovirus. When a norovirus outbreak involves multiple persons from different towns, as is the case with this outbreak, it is not uncommon to see additional cases of norovirus occur because of person-to-person transmission of the virus in the community.

In general, you can help protect yourself and others from norovirus by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water.  You should also avoid preparing food for others, working in a day care center, health care facility or food service establishment if you have gastrointestinal symptoms – vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, low grade fever – and seek medical attention if those symptoms become severe.

This is the second norovirus outbreak reported to the health department so far in 2021.