INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Indian River County has detected cases of Norovirus in long term care facilities, according to the Florida Department of Health in Indian River County.
“Norovirus has been identified as the culprit in several recent outbreaks in long term care facilities, and we want to make sure that the community is aware of how to protect themselves,” said Cheryl Dunn, Environmental Health Manager for Florida Department of Health in Indian River County.
This is common for this time of year, according to Joan Rivera, Public Health Preparedness Coordinator. “We are not able to comment on specific investigations,” said Rivera in an email.
According to the CDC, the Norovirus is a highly contagious virus. Norovirus infection causes gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines). This leads to diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain.
“We have seen an increase in illness characterized by vomiting and diarrhea in Indian River County,” said Dunn.
Norovirus illness is often called by other names, such as food poisoning and stomach flu. It is true that noroviruses can cause food poisoning. But other germs and chemicals can also cause food poisoning, according to the CDC. Norovirus illness is not related to the flu (influenza), which is a respiratory illness caused by influenza virus.
Here are ways to safeguard from the virus:
- Practice proper hand hygiene – Always wash your hands carefully with soap and water after using the toilet or changing diapers, and before eating, preparing, or handling food.
- Wash fruits and vegetables and cook seafood thoroughly.
- When you are sick, stay home and do not prepare food or care for others.
- Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces.
- Wash laundry thoroughly.
