The Centers for Disease Control has released information regarding Norovirus in anticipation of possible increased spread as families gather for the holiday season, stating that everyone should follow prevention methods to ensure that the disease is not contracted prior to the gatherings nor spread during the functions.
Norovirus has been described as very contagious, but people may take steps to contain the spread, such as washing hands well with soap and water as hand sanitizer alone does not work well against norovirus. The CDC also stated that those who are sick should not prepare or handle food.
Norovirus may be found in vomit or feces prior to the symptoms of the sickness beginning, and the virus may stay in feces for two weeks or more after feeling better and may still be spread during that time.
The CDC stated that all people should wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the toilet or changing diapers, before eating, preparing or handling food and before giving themselves or someone else medicine.
In terms of food, the CDC recommends to carefully wash fruits and vegetables, cook oysters and other shellfish thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees, routinely clean and sanitize kitchen utensils, cutting boards, counters and surfaces, especially after handling shellfish, keep raw oysters away from ready-to-eat food in the grocery cart, refrigerator and on cutting boards and throw away food that may contain Norovirus.
The CDC stated that Noroviruses are relatively resistant to heat and can survive temperatures as high as 145 degrees. Quick steaming processes will not heat foods enough to kill Noroviruses, and contaminated food may look, smell or taste normal.
Norovirus is commonly described as “stomach bugs” or “stomach flus,” regardless of its non-relation to influenza.
