(DES MOINES, Iowa) State health officials say there's been an uptick in illnesses, caused by "norovirus."
State Medical Director, Dr. Patricia Quinlisk says that's typical for winter-time, because people are indoors more and in closer contact. She says it can also spread easily to large numbers of people and cause large outbreaks when people prepare food while ill.
She says norovirus, which causes diarrhea and vomiting, spreads very easily. Other symptoms include nausea and a low-grade fever.
The Iowa Department of Public Health has received numerous reports of such illness in the past few weeks.
"Anyone with diarrhea or vomiting should not be handling any food items, regardless of how well they wash their hands," said IDPH Medical Director, Dr. Patricia Quinlisk. "That rule is important no matter if you’re cooking for two or 200, whether it’s a regular family meal or at a restaurant."
Dr. Quinlisk says anyone with norovirus symptoms should stay home from school, daycare, work or other events to help stop the spread to others. She says it's also important that anyone who has been sick with symptoms of norovirus not prepare food for others for two days after their symptoms have gone away, since this virus can spread even after you start feeling better.
Dr. Quinlisk says noroviruses are not the same as influenza and are not prevented by receiving the flu vaccine. The illness typically lasts for about two days and victims usually recover completely with no long-term health effects. If ill, the most important thing