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Norovirus believed to be on the rise in Jackson County By Nick Morgan Updated: Apr 21, 2022 03:13 PM A A Jackson County Public Health has issued an advisory warning parents of a spike in stomach illnesses among daycare and school-aged children. The new rash of food poisoning cases — officially known as gastroenteritis is believed to be linked to a norovirus outbreak, but health officials are still in the early stages of an outbreak investigation, according to a release issued Wednesday by Jackson County Health and Human Services. The apparently communicable stomach illness causes diarrhea and in some cases vomiting. Communicable Disease and Epidemiologist manager Andrea Krause stated in the release that the county is currently collecting samples to be tested at the Oregon State Public Health Lab. The illness can be caused by bacteria such as Salmonella or Shigella, parasites such as Giardia, but Krause specifically highlighted a norovirus as the suspected stomach bug. “We suspect the increase of gastroenteritis cases and outbreaks is caused by norovirus, and we believe that there are many other cases and outbreaks in the community that we are not aware of,” Krause stated. Norovirus typically spreads when a person accidentally ingests the virus after exposure to particles in vomit or fecal matter. Health officials say norovirus is very contagious, and people can easily become infected if they have direct contact with someone infected with norovirus in ways that can include by sharing food or eating utensils, or by putting fingers in their mouth after touching a contaminated surface. Symptoms typically develop within 12 to 48 hours of exposure, and people typically get better within one to three days. To mitigate the spread of norovirus, health officials recommend thorough handwashing with soap and water — especially after using the toilet or changing diapers and before handling food or administering medicine — and to carefully wash fruits and vegetables, cook shelfish thoroughly and throw away any food contaminated with norovirus. Noroviruses are relatively resistant to heat, and can survive temperatures as high as 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Anyone sickened should not prepare food for others. Those working in restaurants, schools, daycares, long-term care facilities or healthcare settings should avoid exposing others for for at least two days after symptoms stop. Health officials advise anyone with vomiting or diarrhea symptoms to avoid daycare, school or work settings until their symptoms lift for at least 48 hours because people may still be contagious when they’re first starting to feel better. Gastroenteritis cases involving a norovirus can lead to acute nausea and diarrhea for young children and older adults that can cause dehydration. Health officials recommend calling a healthcare provider for anyone who is severely dehydrated. Signs of dehydration can include decreased urination, dry mouth and throat and feeling dizzy when standing up, according to health officials. Dehydrated children may cry with few or no tears, or may be unusually sleepy or fussy.