The Huron County Health Unit says an increased number of gastrointestinal illnesses are circulating in the community, most caused by a norovirus.
It causes a sudden onset of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Other symptoms include a fever, chills, headache, tiredness and muscle aches.
The illness usually lasts between 24 and 48 hours and easily spreads from person to person through contaminated food, water or hands.
“You can avoid spreading Norovirus by staying home when sick,” says Public Health Inspector Roxana Nassiri. “If your children are sick, keep them home from daycare until they have been symptom-free for at least 72 hours.”
Healthcare workers, food handlers and caregivers, including daycare staff, should not return to work until at least 48 hours after symptoms have resolved. Nassiri adds that if you feel ill, you should not visit elderly residents in long-term care facilities.
You can also stop the spread of Noroviruses by cleaning and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces such as counters, doorknobs, telephones, computer keyboards and remote controls.
Frequent hand washing with warm running water and soap for at least 20 seconds is also a good prevention measure. Hands should be cleaned after using the washroom, after changing diapers, after shaking hands and before preparing and eating food.
