Norovirus investigated
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tact with another person who is infected and showing symptoms.
Similar to food poisoning symptoms, it is often called "stomach flu." Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and some stomach cramping.
Some people will suffer from a low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and a general sense of tiredness.
Symptoms develop 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus. The illness usually is brief, lasting one to two days, and rarely causes long-term problems after recovery.
People infected with the virus are contagious from the onset of symptoms until at least three days after recovery.
Food handlers should not prepare food for three days after recovering.
To prevent the spread of norovirus:
— Wash hands frequently, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before preparing food and eating.
— Carefully wash fruits and vegetables.
— Thoroughly clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces, such as bathroom fixtures, with a bleach-based cleaner or other disinfectant.
— Immediately remove and wash clothing and linens with soap and hot water after contamination.
— If a person has diarrhea, he/she should refrain from preparing food for others.
Serene added that bacterial illnesses can be treated with antibiotics and viruses cannot.