Genesee County Health Department Sees Increase in Norovirus

The Genesee County Health Department (GCHD) says they have seen an increase in norovirus throughout the county and are offering up tips to help keep residents healthy.

The viruses can be spread by food, person-to-person contact or contaminated surfaces or objects. The virus itself typically includes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps. Some of the symptoms of norovirus include low-grade fever, headaches, fatigue and muscle aches. According to a press release from the GCHD, symptoms can last anywhere from 12 to 60 hours and those who are ill usually recover on their own. The GCHD warns that younger and older people are at greater risks for dehydration.

Some of the GCHD's tips to stay healthy are:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
• Prevent contamination of food, drinks and surfaces. Those with norovirus should not prepare or serve food for up to three days after symptoms have stopped.
• Disinfect contaminated surfaces with household chlorine bleach-based cleaners.
• Children affected should not go to school or daycare.

Additional information can be found at the Genesee County Health Department's website.