Sick with a stomach bug in Illinois? State reports 3 outbreaks of this icky virus
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Illinois reports three norovirus outbreaks this fall; state logs outbreaks only.
- Norovirus causes vomiting and diarrhea; diagnosis confirmed only by state labs.
- Prevention emphasizes hand washing, surface disinfection and isolation.
While Illinois residents are familiar with common respiratory season culprits like influenza and COVID, the area is seeing outbreaks of another problematic virus this year, as well.
Norovirus outbreaks have been reported in Illinois and across the nation this season, and the group of related viruses can cause gastrointestinal illness, including vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain.
The virus is highly contagious, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports it’s the leading cause of vomiting, diarrhea and foodborne illness nationwide.
You can’t necessarily head into your nearest urgent care to get tested for norovirus like you can for flu or COVID, as only Illinois Department of Public Health laboratories can confirm a norovirus diagnosis. As a result, norovirus data is reported differently than other common viruses.
“Individual norovirus cases are not reportable to the state, but outbreaks from schools, long term care facilities, and foodborne transmission (defined as two or more cases linked to a specific time or place) are reportable,” IDPH spokesperson Jim Leach wrote, in part, in a Dec. 9 statement to the News-Democrat. “So far this fall we have had three reported norovirus outbreaks of two or more cases, but that is not considered unusual.”
Treatment for norovirus is focused on symptom management, such as rehydration through drinking water or getting IV fluids, an anti-diarrheal or medication to reduce nausea, according to the Mayo Clinic.
“There is no specific treatment for norovirus. Most people recover in 1 to 3 days,” Brenda Fedak, spokesperson for the St. Clair County Health Department, told the BND.
Although people who contract norovirus tend to feel better after just a few days, the CDC reports they can still spread norovirus for two weeks or more. Because there are many different types of noroviruses, you can get ill from it several times throughout your life without developing immunity.
“It is possible to develop protection against specific types. But it is not known exactly how long protection lasts,” the CDC website says. “This may explain why so many people of all ages get infected during norovirus outbreaks.”
Common sources of norovirus include having direct contact with someone who has one of the viruses, eating or drinking contaminated food or drink and touching contaminated objects and then putting your fingers in your mouth.
To protect yourself against, federal health officials recommend washing your hands well and often, cooking shellfish thoroughly, washing your fruits and vegetables, cleaning and disinfecting contaminated surfaces and washing your laundry in hot water.
How can you avoid other illnesses in Illinois this winter?
While no vaccine is available to protect against norovirus, eligible Illinois residents can get vaccinated against influenza, COVID and respiratory syncytial virus, commonly known as RSV.
In addition to getting vaccinated, health officials recommend several best practices to avoid contracting and spreading viruses, including staying home when you feel sick. If you can’t isolate yourself, IDPH recommends wearing a well-fitting mask around others.
If you contract flu or COVID, anti-viral treatments are often available early in the course of illness.
The CDC also advises frequent hand-washing, cleaning high-contact surfaces and promoting cleaner air when possible, such as by using a portable high-efficiency particulate air cleaner or opening windows when the weather allows.
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