Officials with Shelby County Public Health Monday evening, updated their report on recent incidents of vomiting and diarrhea. Authorities said they have recently received many more than usual reports of vomiting & diarrhea illnesses in the community over the past ten days. Calla Poldberg ARNP, Director of Public Health, announced that testing in multiple samples shows norovirus has been confirmed.

Norovirus is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in the U.S. Symptoms of norovirus illness include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps. The illness lasts for about two days. If ill, the most important thing to do is keep drinking fluids and stay home. The most common complication from norovirus infection is dehydration.

Norovirus is found in the vomit and stool of infected people and it spreads quickly. People with norovirus illness are contagious from the moment they begin feeling sick until the first few days after they recover. Some people may be contagious for even longer.

Although sometimes called the ‘stomach flu,’ norovirus is not the same virus as the respiratory influenza. There is no vaccine to prevent norovirus infection or drug to treat it. Anyone can get infected with norovirus. It is estimated that a person will get norovirus about five times in their lifetime.

The public can help protect themselves and others by thorough hand washing with soap and water, especially after using the toilet, changing diapers, and always before eating or preparing food. People with norovirus illness should not prepare food for others while they have symptoms and for at least 2 days after they recover from their illness.

For more information contact the Shelby County Public Health office at 712-755-4422 or your local medical provider office.