In addition to fending of the flu this season, Delaware’s Division of Public Health is urging residents to take precautions against the norovirus.
DPH officals have confirmed numerous cases of the norovirus in the state since the start of the new year, and the division's Infectious Disease Epidemiologist Paula Eggers says it is likely more prevalent than documented.
“Your average, otherwise healthy, individual is not going to seek medical attention for this and it’s not something that’s routinely tested for. So, while we may have a few confirmed cases in our database it’s not at all reflective of what is actually going on in the community,” said Eggers.
Eggers adds the stomach bug is easily transmitted by contact with contaminated surfaces or infected persons.
“It’s a pretty hardy virus. It can be difficult to kill with like normal disinfection that we might do. You have to use a dilute bleach solution for cleaning purposes instead of maybe some of your wipes that you would normally use,” said Eggers.
Eggers says symptoms of the virus include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, although the illness typically lasts for just one or two days.
The gastrointestinal illness is not related to the widespread cases of influenza seen this season, however both diseases spread most during winter months and the two can be contracted simultaneously.
A spokesperson for Bayhealth says the hospital group has confirmed numerous cases in its facilities so far this year.
