Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

For immediate release

Release Date:             December 21, 2007

Contact Person:          Mark Valacak

                                    Community Health Director

Genesee County Health Department

 Phone:                        (810) 275-3618

 Re:                             Gastroenteritis is on the Rise in Genesee County

            Genesee County has been experiencing a significant rise in gastroenteritis cases. The viruses that cause gastroenteritis, such as Norovirus, are easily transmitted through food, by person-to-person contact, or by contaminated surfaces. The Genesee County Health Department would like to ensure everyone stays healthy over the holiday season by giving the following information.

Norovirus causes a self-limited moderate illness which typically includes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Symptoms may also include low-grade fever, headache, fatigue and muscle aches. Symptoms may begin as early as 12 hours following exposure or as late as 48 hours after exposure, and typically last 24 to 60 hours. In most cases ill persons recover without medical attention. Norovirus infection occasionally results in hospitalization due mainly to dehydration, with the very young and elderly at greater risk. Those with severe diarrhea should drink lots of liquids.

Frequent hand washing using soap and warm running water for a minimum of 20 seconds and preventing contamination of food, drinks, water, and ice are critical to prevent the spread of Norovirus. Anyone with gastrointestinal symptoms must not prepare or serve food for others for 48 to 72 hours after symptoms have ceased. The virus may continue to be shed for up to 14 days after being ill.   

Norovirus is easily transmitted and as few as ten virus particles can cause illness. The virus can survive up to a month at room temperature and two months or more if refrigerated. Norovirus in vomit can be aerosolized and spread up to 40 feet. Any surfaces that are contaminated with feces or vomit must be thoroughly cleaned with hot soapy water.  Norovirus is resistant to some household disinfectants at normal concentrations. After cleaning, the best way to disinfect contaminated surfaces is to use chlorine bleach in a mixture of 1/3 cup bleach to one gallon of water.

 Further information about norovirus and environmental cleaning can be found at www.gchd.us .

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