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The Two Rivers Public Health District in south-central Nebraska is reporting an increase of both norovirus and rotavirus cases in the district.

Image/CDC

Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. People of all ages can get infected and sick with norovirus. People with norovirus illness can shed billions of norovirus particles. Only a few virus particles can make other people sick. Norovirus symptoms usually begin one to two days after exposure to the virus, but can begin as early as twelve hours after exposure. Most people with norovirus usually get better within one to three days.

Rotavirus is a very contagious virus that primarily affects infants and young children. However, people of all ages can get infected. Symptoms of rotavirus usually start about two days after a person is exposed to the virus and can last three to eight days. Rotavirus vaccine can help prevent serious illness in children and is commonly administered starting at 2 months old.

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The organism’s characteristic wheel-like appearance under the electron microscope gives the rotavirus its name from the Latin word ‘rota,’ meaning ‘wheel.’
Image/CDC/Jessica A. Allen/Alliza Eckerd.

Norovirus and rotavirus outbreaks also frequently occur in schools, childcare centers, colleges, and universities. Both norovirus and rotavirus are spread by accidentally getting tiny particles of feces (poop) or vomit from an infected person in your mouth. Outbreaks on school and university campuses have even led to campus closures. Close quarters, shared spaces, and high-touch surfaces make it easy for norovirus and rotavirus to spread.

Health officials strongly recommends taking the following actions:
• Washing hands carefully and frequently
• Staying home when experiencing vomiting and diarrhea
• Careful cleaning of surfaces that have had contact with vomit and diarrhea using an EPA certified cleaning products

If you are experiencing norovirus or rotavirus symptoms, please contact your primary care provider and stay home. Typical symptoms for both norovirus and rotavirus are:
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• nausea
• stomach pain
• fever
• headache
• body aches