McHenry County health officials report increase in norovirus outbreaks; schools, care centers affected

McHenry County is seeing more outbreaks of an intestinal ailment called acute gastrointestinal enteritis, according to the McHenry County Department of Health.

The outbreaks are occurring especially in schools and long-term care centers, and outbreaks commonly are caused by norovirus and quickly spread between people, according to the release.

[ Bird flu found in waterfowl in Woodstock, elsewhere in Illinois ]

Other pathogens that can cause AGE include Clostridium perfringens or C. perfringens; salmonella; campylobacteriosis; and staph aureus, health department spokesperson Nick Kubiak said.

[ McHenry County child dies of RSV ]

The health department said the illness is not treatable by antibiotics. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and stomach pain, typically lasting 24 to 48 hours. Anyone with norovirus-like symptoms should stay home while sick and for 24 hours after symptoms disappear. Staying hydrated also is important while recovering, according to the health department.

To help avoid getting and transmitting norovirus, the health department in the release recommended people should:

Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially after using the toilet, changing diapers and before eating or preparing food. Hand sanitizers may not be effective against norovirus.
Stay home from work or school until at least 24 hours after symptoms are resolved. If you are a food handler, stay home for at least 48 hours after symptoms are resolved.
Avoid preparing food for others for at least two days after symptoms stop.
Avoid visiting nursing homes or other congregate care settings while ill, and refrain from attending social gatherings to prevent spreading the illness.
Regularly clean and sanitize kitchen utensils, counters and surfaces before preparing food to reduce the risk of contamination.
When experiencing gastrointestinal illness, use disinfectants effective against norovirus. A list of such products can be found on the EPA’s Registered Antimicrobial Products Effective Against Norovirus [List G].

For more information about norovirus, the health department encourages people to visit the CDC’s website: cdc.gov/norovirus.