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Norovirus case reported by county health official

Staff reporter

Marion County Health Administrator Diedre Serene reported Monday that county and state health departments are investigating an outbreak of norovirus, a highly infectious illness.

During the Marion County Commission meeting, Serene said the outbreak occurred during the weekend of July 4, causing 48 members of nine families to become ill following a family reunion in Marion County.

Victims lived in other areas besides the Marion area, therefore more time was needed to gather information and specimens.

A final report has not yet been received, said Serene, so conclusions cannot be drawn until then.

"Victims were infected with the virus by coming in contact with something that was contaminated (with the virus)," Serene explained.

What is the virus?

According to KDHE, norovirus is transmitted by eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated, touching surfaces that are contaminated and then touching the hand to the mouth, breathing aerosolized infected vomit, not washing hands after using the bathroom, or having direct contact with another person who is infected and showing symptoms.

Similar to food poisoning symptoms, it is often called "stomach flu." Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and some stomach cramping.

Some people will suffer from a low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and a general sense of tiredness.

Symptoms develop 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus. The illness usually is brief, lasting one to two days, and rarely causes long-term problems after recovery.

People infected with the virus are contagious from the onset of symptoms until at least three days after recovery.

Food handlers should not prepare food for three days after recovering.

To prevent the spread of norovirus:

— Wash hands frequently, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before preparing food and eating.

— Carefully wash fruits and vegetables.

— Thoroughly clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces, such as bathroom fixtures, with a bleach-based cleaner or other disinfectant.

— Immediately remove and wash clothing and linens with soap and hot water after contamination.

— If a person has diarrhea, he/she should refrain from preparing food for others.

Serene added that bacterial illnesses can be treated with antibiotics and viruses cannot.

"People just have to ride it out," Serene said.

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