Norovirus

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines. This leads to diarrhea, vomiting and stomach pain. It is often called the "stomach flu," though it is not related to the flu (influenza).

Reminder: Students are to be kept at home if they have diarrhea or vomiting. They can return to school 24 hours after diarrhea or vomiting has stopped.

The best way to prevent norovirus from spreading:

• Practice proper hand hygiene after using the toilet or changing diapers, and before eating or handling food. Soap and water is preferred as alcohol based hand sanitizers have limited effectiveness against the norovirus.
• If possible, avoid other individuals who have the above symptoms.
• Wash fruits and vegetables and cook seafood thoroughly.
• When you are sick, do not prepare food or care for others.
• Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces.
• Wash laundry thoroughly.

There is no specific treatment for norovirus. However some things can be done to relieve symptoms:

• Drink plenty of liquids to replace fluid loss and prevent dehydration.

Persons who are concerned about their symptoms should contact their health care provider.

For more information visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) norovirus web page.

If you have any questions, please contact your school nurse.