Yolo County health officials are now reporting that the outbreak has reached 3,843 cases as of Tuesday, up nearly 500 cases since a week ago.
Despite the numbers, data suggests that the outbreak that has spread across northern California may be diminishing somewhat. (See Daily Democrat report).
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus and the leading cause of illness (commonly called the “stomach flu”) in the United States. Anyone can get infected with this virus and get sick. Some people who are infected with the virus do not have any symptoms at all. For most people who get ill, the symptoms are minor, lasting only a few days. However, Norovirus can cause a more serious life-threatening illness for those who are particularly at risk.
Symptoms of Norovirus include fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain. Symptoms last for 1-3 days. However, after symptoms go away, people are still highly infectious, especially the first 48 hours. There is no treatment for Norovirus. The most important steps to prevent the spread of Norovirus is to stay home if you are sick, and for another 48 hours after symptoms go away, and to regularly wash hands.
Prevention is the best solution to prevent spread of disease.
- Wash your hands before eating and after using the bathroom.
- Wash fruits and vegetables and cook food thoroughly.
- Do not prepare food or care for others if you are sick.
- Wash any contaminated clothing thoroughly. Be sure to wear disposable gloves or rubber gloves.
- Clean contaminated surfaces with a bleach product or bleach solution (use a solution made with 5 tablespoons to 1.5 cups of household bleach per 1 gallon of water. Be sure to leave the cleaning solution or product on the surface for 10-20 minutes. Rinse the area with clean water after disinfecting.)
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