By NewsDesk  @bactiman63

The Mesa County Public Health (MCPH) reports seeing an increase in gastrointestinal (GI) illness, suspected norovirus, in child care centers in the county.

Image/CDC

Health officials say the reported symptoms are very similar to norovirus, a very common and highly contagious GI illness that lasts anywhere between 24 and 72 hours.

Community members who are not feeling well, and who have been sick with vomiting or diarrhea episodes, should not go to work or school until at least 24 hours since the last episode, 48 hours is preferred if possible.

It’s also very important that children who are being kept out of school due to illness do not attend child care while they are ill.

Norovirus is a common cause of gastrointestinal illness. Symptoms often include diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. People who are ill from a norovirus may also experience headaches, body aches and fever.

The virus spreads very easily from person to person. People get norovirus by coming into direct contact with someone who is sick, touching a surface that has been contaminated with norovirus and then placing their hands in their mouth, or by eating or drinking something contaminated with norovirus. Symptoms usually start 12 to 48 hours after being exposed to the virus. There is no specific treatment for norovirus, but most people get better within one to three days. Antibiotics will not help if you are sick with norovirus.