Saline County Being Hit By Norovirus

The norovirus has made its way through the Saline County area.  That's the news being reported by the Friend Sentinel.  The norovirus is more commonly known as the stomach flu, viral gastroenteritis, acute gastroenteritis or even food poisoning, according to Public Health Solutions.

“We have seen norovirus in a couple of nursing homes in Saline County this year,” said Kate Lange, disease surveillance nurse at Public Health Solutions.

So what is the difference between the norovirus and the influenza and how do you know which one you have?  “The norovirus is a gut virus, and influenza is a respiratory virus,” Lange said. “Symptoms of the norovirus include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and some stomach cramping.” 

Noroviruses can be found in the stool or vomit of infected people. People can become infected with the virus in many ways, including eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus; touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus, and then placing their hand in their mouth; or having direct contact with another person who is infected and showing symptoms, according to Public Health Solutions.

“Once you have norovirus, it will take anywhere from one to three days to pass,” Lange said. The norovirus infection cannot be treated with antibiotics.