Delaware County Public Relations Office

Norovirus, a very contagious virus often referred to as a “stomach flu” or “stomach bug,” or mistakenly diagnosed as “food poisoning,” occurs November through April each year, especially in schools, Early Childhood Education Centers, healthcare facilities, restaurants and catered events. 

Norovirus can be a serious illness. Symptoms usually present themselves 24 to 48 hours after exposure. The most common symptoms are diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain. Other symptoms can include fever, headache, and body aches, and symptoms can typically last 1 to 3 days. Individuals with any symptoms of Norovirus should isolate at home until 48 hours after the last episode of vomiting and/or diarrhea. 

Hand washing with warm soap and water is crucial to fighting the spread of this virus.

Individuals should always wash their hands with warm soap and water before eating, preparing, or handling food. Individuals should also thoroughly wash their hands before administering medicine to another person or themselves.

Another tip to help combat Norovirus is to clean and disinfect surfaces. Make sure to use disinfectants that are certified to kill Norovirus. Be careful using disinfectants. Follow the directions on the label of certified disinfectants.

For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov/norovirus.