Norovirus Prevention Tips
Norovirus, sometimes called viral gastroenteritis or “stomach flu”, is a viral illness that causes acute diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain in humans. Norovirus is very contagious, andis spread through contaminated food or water, by contact with an infected person, or by contamination in theenvironment. Individuals can become infected with norovirus and spread it to others for 24-48 hoursbefore they begin exhibiting symptoms. Infected individuals usually have symptoms of norovirus for 1-2days, but may shed the virus in their stool for up to 2 weeks after recovering. Outbreaks of norovirus are common in communal settings such as schools, daycare facilities and nursing homes.
Good hand hygiene is the best way to prevent the transmission of norovirus. Hands should be washed with warm water and soap for 15-20 seconds. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer can also be used in addition to handwashing to help prevent the transmission of norovirus.
Those experiencing symptoms of norovirus should stay home from school orwork while they are ill. They should continue to be vigilant about handwashing even after they are feeling better, as norovirus can still be transmitted once they have recovered. Those who are involved in food preparation should remain home for 72 hours after they feel better, as food and drink contaminated with norovirus is a common way it is spread. Sharing of food and drink, or communal food should be stopped while norovirus is being experienced in your community.
Besides remaining at home while contagious, another way to prevent the spread of norovirus is proper cleaning of environmental surfaces contaminated with norovirus. The virus can live on surfaces for several hours and it only requires a small amount of the virus (<100 viral particles) to infect someone.
If a vomit or fecal spillage occurs, the area should be sanitized with an Environmental Protection Agency approved disinfectant or a freshly prepared sodium hypochlorite (bleach) solution. The bleach solution should be a 1:50 dilution; mix 1/3 cup bleach with 1 gallon water. For heavily soiled surfaces, use a dilution of 1:10, or 1 2/3 cup bleach to one gallon of water. Allow the solution to be in contact with the surface for 10-20 minutes or until it has air dried. Materials that may be put in children’s mouths (e.g. toys) should be rinsed. For porous surfaces such as upholstered furniture, carpets or clothing, clean visible debris with an absorbent, double-layer material. Steam clean or wash the contaminated surface at 158° F for 5 minutes or 212° F for 1 minute. Staff should wear disposable gloves when cleaning areas contaminated by feces or vomitus. Throw away all disposable materials in sealed bags. Bathrooms and other communal spaces should be cleaned more frequently during suspected norovirus outbreaks. Frequently touched surfaces, such as door handles, telephones, and computer mice, should be disinfected with an approved product (as noted above).
For More Information:
Please contact the Office of Community Development,Health Division,Gerard Cody,Health Director at 781-698-4503 or . You may also visit the CDC page on Norovirus: review the MDPH fact sheet:
The Lexington Board of Health brought this important message to you.