From Caitlyn Rivers Newsletter, Force of Infection 11/4/24:
Norovirus is high and increasing right now. Nationally, test positivity is at nearly 12%. To put this in context, the peak last year was 13.6%. Rates are particularly high in the Southern region.
A reminder as cases increase: norovirus causes stomach pains, diarrhea, and vomiting. It is extremely transmissible via bodily fluids and through contaminated surfaces, food, and water.
- To reduce your odds of getting sick, remember to wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 30 seconds (norovirus is able to withstand hand sanitizer).
- If you or someone in your household becomes sick, wash hard surfaces with soap and water or a diluted bleach mixture, and wash soiled clothing and linens in hot water and then dry on high heat.
- Norovirus is still highly transmissible for several days after symptoms improve or go away. As such, insofar as is possible, avoid preparing food for others for at least 72 hours after symptoms end. Longer is better: it can spread up to two weeks after symptoms end, though it is most transmissible during those first few days of illness and after symptoms resolve.
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