Norovirus strikes in Kootenai County

The flu virus gets all the attention this time of year, but norovirus is responsible locally for at least as many illnesses.

The norovirus attacks the gastrointestinal system causing nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, usually for one to three days. Since the start of the year, the highly contagious norovirus has circulated through two group living facilities in Kootenai County, sickening about 90 people and hospitalizing one.

The virus is still active in three other group-living facilities and made its way through a school late last year.

"It's not limited to cruise ships and nursing homes," said Jeff Lee, R.N., an epidemiologist at the Panhandle Health District. "It spreads in schools, businesses, assisted living facilities, in families. It's another reason to consistently wash your hands, especially after using the restroom and before handling food."

Norovirus is a common bug that spreads easily and quickly. When infected people vomit explosively, droplets spread through the air, exposing everyone around them. People pick up the virus on doorknobs, light switches and other commonly touched surfaces.

Regular household cleaners are not effective on norovirus," Lee said. "It requires a bleach solution."

Anyone cleaning up after a person sick with norovirus should wear gloves, a mask and even eye protection in case of splashes. Contaminated surfaces should be cleaned with a solution of 1/3 cup bleach to one gallon of water. The solution should stay on the contaminated surface for 10 minutes and then be rinsed with clean water. Chlorine bleach wipes work on non-porous surfaces such as doorknobs.

"Most people with norovirus feel awful but recover in a few days," Lee said.

No medication is effective against norovirus. Lee recommends people infected try to drink clear liquids to avoid dehydration and stay home to avoid infecting others.

For more information on norovirus, visit PHD's website at www.phd1.idaho.gov/clinical/infectiousdisease/norovirus.cfm.