The Minnesota Department of Health has received more than 40 reports of norovirus outbreaks in December so far, nearly double the usual number.
The ministry defines an outbreak as an incident in which two or more people suffer from a similar illness after common exposure.
Norovirus, often called stomach flu, causes vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps.
According to a Department of Health press release, norovirus is highly contagious and is the leading cause of foodborne illness outbreaks in Minnesota. Most people contract norovirus about five times in their lifetime.
“Particularly ahead of holiday gatherings, we want to make sure people are aware of this increase in norovirus outbreaks and are taking steps to avoid spreading the illness to their family or friends,” said Jessica Hancock-Allen, director of the infectious diseases division at the Ministry of Health.
To avoid contracting and spreading the virus, the Department of Health recommends individuals wash their hands with soap and water, as most hand sanitizers do not kill norovirus. Other mitigation measures include cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, cooking shellfish before eating them, and not preparing food for others if you have been sick in the past three days.
When infected with norovirus, the illness tends to go away after one or two days without long-term health effects. When sick, people should drink plenty of fluids to avoid becoming dehydrated.
For more information on norovirus — and for procedures for businesses, schools and long-term care facilities — visit the Department of Health’s website. website.
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