(CHCC) — The Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation has identified an increase in norovirus activity recently and is advising residents in the CNMI of precautions to stay healthy.
Many viruses, including norovirus, can cause vomiting and diarrhea. People of all ages can get infected and sick with norovirus, which spreads very easily and quickly. These viruses are easily spread through food, by person-to-person contact or through contaminated surfaces. Therefore, take caution if someone in your household is ill.
Norovirus infection is sometimes called the “stomach flu” or “stomach bug” but it is not related to influenza (flu), a respiratory viral illness that can cause fever, cough, chills, headache, muscle aches, runny nose and sore throat.
You can get norovirus by accidentally getting tiny particles of feces (poop) or vomit in your mouth from an infected person. Norovirus can cause diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and stomach pain. Symptoms usually last one to three days, with most individuals recovering without medical attention. However, norovirus infection can result in hospitalization due to dehydration, especially in young children and the elderly.
Protect yourself and others by:
• Washing Hands. Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds. This is especially important after using the toilet or changing diaper, and before eating, preparing and handling food;
• Safe food handling. Handle and prepare food safely. Rinse fruits and vegetables before consumption, cook shellfish thoroughly, routinely clean and sanitize kitchen utensils, counters and surfaces;
• Disinfect surfaces. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, phones, keyboards and countertops. Norovirus can remain on surfaces for extended periods of time.
• Isolate infected individuals. Stay home when sick and for 48 hours after symptoms stopped. Avoid preparing food for others when sick and 48 hours after symptoms stopped.
If someone catches norovirus, there is not a specific medicine to cure it. However, there are practical steps to ease symptoms and promote recovery:
1) Stay hydrated. It’s crucial to drink plenty of fluids like water, electrolyte solutions, and clear broths to prevent dehydration caused by vomiting and diarrhea.
2) Rest. Give your body the time it needs to recover by getting enough rest and sleep.
3) Easy-to-digest food. Gradually reintroduce simple and easily digestible food like rice and plain noodles. Avoid spicy or fatty food until you feel better.
4) Over-the-counter medications. Some over-the-counter medications may help with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and fever.
If the symptoms are severe, persist for an extended period, or if there are concerns about dehydration, it’s crucial to seek medical attention. Healthcare professionals can provide additional support, including intravenous fluids if necessary.
For more information on norovirus, visit the CDC’s norovirus website at www.cdc.gov/norovirus/.
The Environmental Health and Disease Prevention conducts surveillance and investigations for the prevention of foodborne illness outbreaks. EHDP strongly advises the CNMI community to report any suspected or confirmed norovirus outbreaks.
For more information, contact the EHDP office at (670) 236-2022/27/28, or email the administrator of EHDP, John Tagabuel, at john.tagabuel@chcc.health/.
For more information about its programs, follow CHCC on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @cnmichcc, check out its website at www.chcc.gov.mp or call (670) 234-8950.
