Mystery Stomach Illness Decimating NJ County Likely Solved, Health Officials Say

SUSSEX COUNTY, NJ — Health officials have determined a likely cause of a widespread gastrointestinal illness that prompted a public health investigation in Sussex County recently.

The Sussex County Division of Health’s investigation opened up after several residents began reporting stomach illness, citing symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches, chills, nausea, and fever.

The large number of patients reporting the illness in such a short amount of time led health experts to suspect that a food establishment may be the culprit for the illness.

Sick residents who dined out in Sussex County between Jan. 30 and Feb. 1 were asked to report their symptoms and dining experience to the Division.

However, the Division’s environmental assessments identified “no issues within any food establishments,” leading experts to believe the sickness was viral rather than foodborne.

Sussex County health experts determined a probable cause of the outbreak was the norovirus, better known as the “stomach bug” or “stomach flu.”

“Following a thorough investigation, early findings suggest that the current outbreak may be attributed to norovirus, though we caution that a definitive diagnosis requires individuals to undergo testing,” a Division of Health statement read. “While norovirus is a likely cause, we cannot confirm it without laboratory results.”

The Division of Health also thanked the several residents who reported their symptoms over the last week, adding that the “emails and calls have been crucial in identifying the common symptoms experienced by many residents.”

What Is The Norovirus?

Norovirus can cause severe gastroenteritis, which is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, according to the NJ Department of Health.

Gastroenteritis can manifest itself through symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting (which can lead to dehydration), and stomach pain, experts say. Some infected people also may experience fevers, headaches, and body aches.

What makes the illness so alarming to health experts is that it is highly contagious with a short incubation period. Officials say that some people can experience symptoms as early as 10 to 12 hours after exposure to the virus.

The virus is transmitted through direct contact with an infected person, eating/handling contaminated food (especially shellfish), and touching contaminated surfaces, officials warn. According to experts, the norovirus can remain on surfaces for hours, and sometimes days.

“Outbreaks may occur in places where people consume water and/or food prepared or handled by others, such as nursing homes, hospitals, restaurants, cruise ships, banquet halls, summer camps, and family dinners,” an NJ DOH statement read.

Prevention

Experts say the best way to prevent norovirus is to wash your hands with soap often and thoroughly. This is especially important when handling food, changing diapers, or caring for an infected person. Officials add that using hand sanitizer is significantly less effective than washing your hands when combating norovirus.

See prevention methods, provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

• Wash your hands well and often.
• Cook shellfish thoroughly and wash fruits and vegetables.
• Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces.
• Wash laundry in hot water.

If you contract norovirus, you should do your best to avoid contact with healthy people to help contain it. The CDC specifically asks infected people to steer clear of immunocompromised people, including seniors and children under five years old.

Additionally, experts ask that infected people continue to isolate and practice preventive measures two days after they feel better, as the virus can still be transmitted even after symptoms disappear.

These preventative measures are especially important for people who work in restaurants, schools, daycares, long-term care facilities, or “other places where you may expose people to norovirus,” the CDC says.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment or cure for the norovirus, and officials remind residents that antibiotics will not help norovirus symptoms, as it’s not a bacterial infection.

Health experts recommend plenty of rest and consuming plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration caused by diarrhea and vomiting. Water, juices, and electrolytes are encouraged, but sick people should avoid drinks containing alcohol or caffeine.

Infected people should also avoid food that may trigger symptoms, sticking to “bland” foods like toast, rice, and bananas until symptoms improve, experts say.

The virus typically lasts one to three days, according to officials.

Health officials say patients should seek medical attention when experiencing the following:

• Severe dehydration (dry mouth, sunken eyes, decreased urination)
• Blood in your vomit or stool
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea (more than three days)
• High fever (over 101°F)
• Severe abdominal pain

To learn more about norovirus, visit the CDC’s website here.