Nebraska - Norovirus cases 2012

[Pathfinder]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 26, 2012

CONTACT:
Leah Bucco-White, Communications and Legislative Services, 402-471-9356
Leah.bucco-white@nebraska.gov

Norovirus Outbreaks Reported to DHHS
Preventive Measures Help Stop Spread ​

Note: Sound bites on this topic will be available shortly at: http://www.dhhs.ne.gov/audio/.​

Lincoln ? The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) received several reports of norovirus outbreaks in long-term care facilities within the last three weeks.​

Norovirus is a common virus that causes diarrhea and vomiting. Illness is usually brief and lasts for only one or two days. Most of the time norovirus does not require medical evaluation or treatment.​

?If we?re seeing norovirus outbreaks in facilities, the virus is most likely circulating in communities as well,? said Dr. Joann Schaefer, the state?s Chief Medical Officer and Director of Public Health for DHHS. ?It?s highly contagious, but there are things you can do to protect yourself and prevent the spread.?​

Norovirus infections are spread by:

• People with diarrhea or vomiting handling and preparing food.
• Direct contact with an infected person, such as through sharing food or shaking hands.
• Hand-to-mouth transfer after touching contaminated surfaces or objects.

To prevent the spread of norovirus, it?s important to:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating and after going to the bathroom or changing diapers.
• Do not prepare food for other people during your illness and for 2 to 3 days after getting better.
• Clean and disinfect any object or surface contaminated by vomiting or diarrhea with a household cleaner containing bleach or with a homemade cleaner made by adding 5-25 tablespoons of bleach to a gallon of water.
• Wash clothing that may be contaminated with virus after an episode of illness, using hot water and soap.

People who are ill with vomiting and diarrhea should drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. Young children and the elderly can become dehydrated more easily and should be watched carefully.

For more information, go to http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/gastro/norovirus-keyfacts.htm.​

http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Newsroom_Newsreleases_2012_Jan_Norovirus.aspx​

 

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Re: Nebraska - Norovirus cases 2012

Fewer flu cases but reports of norovirus are through the roof

February 3, 2012 By affiliate

While there are only scattered reports of influenza across the Husker State this winter, plenty of people are getting sick with another bug.

Deb Scholten, director of the Northeast Nebraska Health Department in Wayne, says she?s seeing numerous reports of people coming down with norovirus.

?There isn?t any way you can prevent that,? Scholten says. ?It?s highly contagious as most family members know, if you?ve had somebody come down with norovirus. When we talk about norovirus, we?re talking about the stomach flu, which actually isn?t an influenza but we?ve always called it that.?

More...
http://nebraskaradionetwork.com/201...ut-reports-of-norovirus-are-through-the-roof/

 

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Re: Nebraska - Norovirus cases 2012

Published Friday April 20, 2012

Norovirus confirmed at school

By Bob Glissmann
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

Mary Our Queen School will remain closed Friday after an outbreak of norovirus sickened students and staff.

The Catholic school at 3405 S. 119th St. closed Wednesday morning after 173 students and eight teachers reported being sick. The school has about 500 students in grades K-8.

The Douglas County Health Department said lab tests confirmed Thursday that the bug in question indeed was norovirus.

More...
http://www.omaha.com/article/20120420/NEWS01/704209930