Norovirus

Norovirus is a very contagious virus that can cause inflammation in your stomach or intestines causing you to have stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea. This illness can lead to dehydration in older adults and children. Norovirus activity tends to be higher in the late fall and early spring. It is the virus that you may read about affecting cruise ship passengers. Please see the video and links below for information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC):

Resources for Healthcare Facilities

Cleaning up Norovirus

Key infection control recommendations

Prevent norovirus spread poster

Norovirus Quick Guide 2018

Reporting a Norovirus Outbreak

Single cases of norovirus are not reportable to the health department, however suspected and confirmed outbreaks of two or more patients within 24-48 hours are immediately reportable. Use this norovirus toolkit for guidelines of what to do if there is a norovirus outbreak in your facility.  Please see the case report sheet to track illnesses in your facility and fax page 1 to our confidential fax line at 360-778-6103