Sudbury & District Health Unit

Public Health Sudbury & Districts is seeing an increase in gastrointestinal illnesses, likely due to norovirus in child care centers and in the community.

Norovirus is present in the stools and vomits of infected people. It is spread mainly through person-to-person contact or through contamination of food prepared by someone who is currently sick or has recently been sick and has not washed their hands properly. Very common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and nausea. Less common symptoms can include headache, body aches, and sometimes fever. Symptoms of norovirus infection are similar to those caused by other gastrointestinal and respiratory viruses, including the virus that causes COVID-19 infection. It can be difficult to know exactly which virus is causing the infection.

Symptoms of norovirus most often come on very suddenly and involve frequent, multiple episodes of vomiting and diarrhea that last 1 to 2 days. People with norovirus do not have respiratory symptoms such as cough, stuffy nose, runny nose, sore throat, or shortness of breath, which are more likely to indicate that the virus is respiratory in nature, even if accompanied by nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. People with norovirus usually get sick 24 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus and can spread the virus in their stool for up to several days after symptoms stop. People with gastrointestinal illnesses should stay home until symptoms have cleared for at least 48 hours.

Although there is no specific treatment for norovirus, it is recommended that you drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

Follow these precautions to avoid getting sick or spreading norovirus and other viruses, including those that cause COVID-19[female[feminine:

• Wash your hands thoroughly, especially after using the toilet, before eating or preparing food, and before contact with the elderly, children, sick people and other vulnerable people.
• Do not handle or prepare food for anyone if you are sick.
• Do not visit anyone in a hospital or long-term care home if you are sick.
• Stay home and take the Ministry of Health COVID-19 self-assessment and follow the instructions provided, including self-isolation and seeking testing for COVID-19 (if eligible).
• Thoroughly clean up vomit and feces, wash or discard anything contaminated with vomit or feces, and disinfect all surfaces with a solution of 1 part household bleach to 9 parts water ( 30 ml (1 oz) of bleach in 266 ml (9 oz) of water).
• Clean and disinfect toilets and all frequently touched surfaces at least once a day with a solution of 1 part household bleach to 9 parts water if someone is sick in the room. your house.

Learn more about norovirus and the importance of hand washing by visiting www.phsd.ca or by calling Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200, ext. 464 (toll free 1.866.522.9200).