McHenry County Sees Spike In Norovirus Cases
MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — The McHenry County Department of Health is reporting a rise in acute gastroenteritis cases in area communities over the past two weeks.
The department is urging all local residents to take necessary precautions to help prevent further spread of the illness, health officials said late last week.
AGE, most commonly caused by norovirus, spreads quickly from person to person and can linger on surfaces for extended periods. Antibiotics are ineffective against norovirus, which typically presents with symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach cramps, according to a news release from the health department.
The illness usually lasts between 24 and 48 hours. Health officials say that if you are feeling unwell, it’s essential to stay home until at least 24 hours after symptoms have passed to prevent infecting others. Staying hydrated during recovery is key.
To prevent the spread of norovirus and similar illnesses, the MCDH, along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), recommends the following steps:
- Wash hands regularly with soap and water, particularly after using the toilet, changing diapers, and before eating or preparing food. Note that hand sanitizers are ineffective against norovirus.
- Stay home from work or school until at least 24 hours after symptoms have gone. For food handlers, it’s critical to stay home for at least 48 hours post-symptoms.
- Avoid preparing food for others until at least 48 hours after symptoms have resolved.
- Limit visits to nursing homes or other group care settings while sick, and refrain from attending social events to reduce the risk of transmission.
- Disinfect surfaces and kitchen tools regularly, particularly before preparing food. Use products that are effective against norovirus, such as those listed on the EPA’s “Registered Antimicrobial Products Effective Against Norovirus” (List G).
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