Suspected Norovirus in Walla Walla County

WALLA WALLA – Walla Walla Department of Community Health (WWCDCH) is investigating suspected norovirus cases in our community. There are reports of probable cases identified in schools, long-term care facilities, and other areas of the community.

Symptoms of norovirus infection can include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, fever, headache, cramps, and muscle aches. Severe symptoms caused by dehydration include decreased urination, extreme fatigue, and dizziness.

Symptoms usually begin 12 to 48 hours post exposure and generally last between one and three days. Individuals who are ill should not return to work until 48 hours after symptoms have passed in order to not spread it to others.

WWCDCH urges the community to take preventative measures to decrease the risk and spread of norovirus this season, including:

Wash your hands with soap and water. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer does not kill this virus.

Cleaning and disinfecting contaminated surfaces with a bleach solution.

Handle and prepare foods safely.

Wash laundry thoroughly.

Do not prepare foods or care for others if you are sick.

Wear personal protective equipment around sick individuals and when handling contaminated material.

Additional information on prevention can be found tinyurl.com/38juu8hc

Norovirus is not a reportable condition. However, Walla Walla County Department of Community Health does follow-up on potential clusters and outbreaks, including those involving vulnerable populations such as long-term care facilities or in restaurants where spread to the public could easily occur.