Norovirus is Making Minnesotans Sick

The Minnesota Health Department says the norovirus has been especially active in the state in recent weeks.

The department says it has received about 40 reports of outbreaks of norovirus illness since the beginning of November. The virus is often spread by the preparation and handling of food, and the sickness it causes is often referred to as “the stomach flu.” The symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, body aches, a mild fever and general run-down feeling.

Officials note that should not be confused with influenza, which is a viral infection that is primarily a respiratory ailment.

The most effective way to prevent the spread of norovirus is thoroughly washing hands after using the restroom and the before eating or handling food.

“People need to remember to wash their hands, thoroughly” said Dr. Kirk Smith, who heads the Foodborne Diseases Unit at MDH. “Wash your hands after using the toilet, before consuming food, and before preparing food for yourself or others. If everybody did that, we could prevent a majority of the illness caused by these viruses.”

Precautions that can help prevent the spread of noroviruses include:

• Washing your hands after using the toilet.
• Washing your hands before handling food or ice.
• Washing your hands before eating.
• Excusing yourself from food preparation duties if you have possible norovirus symptoms, and for at least a few days after you recover.
• Discarding foods that were handled or prepared by someone with possible norovirus symptoms – unless they will be thoroughly cooked before serving.
• Promptly cleaning and disinfecting any surfaces that become soiled with vomit or diarrhea.
• An additional measure for those who have more than one bathroom in their home is to have all ill individuals use the same bathroom; those who are well use the others.