Norovirus outbreaks—What can you do to stop it?
By Michaun Shetler | January 17, 2025 | All members
In addition to all the respiratory illnesses that are going around this season, norovirus has reared its ugly head and is causing outbreaks in Minnesota and nationally. It is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States.
Norovirus is often referred to as” the stomach flu” or “food poisoning.” Common symptoms are diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, cramps, low-grade or no fever. The incubation period is typically 12-48 hours with a duration of 12-72 hours. Approximately 45% of confirmed/suspected norovirus outbreaks in Minnesota 2024 were in long-term care facilities.
Norovirus prevention
- Remind visitors and staff to stay home while ill with vomiting or diarrhea
- Reiterate proper hand hygiene procedures with staff; perform basic norovirus education and remind staff that hand sanitizer is not effective against norovirus
- Have staff monitor residents for gastrointestinal illness, and place residents on appropriate precautions right away
- Clean up vomiting or diarrheal accidents immediately, using appropriate procedures and personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Consider postponing the transfer of ill residents into or out of the facility
- Look into having a sanitizer/disinfectant product that is effective against norovirus on hand in the facility (for ill residents’ rooms, accidents, and potential outbreaks)
Learn more about norovirus and access a helpful toolkit here.
Michaun Shetler | Vice President of Regulatory Affairs |
mshetler@careproviders.org | 952-851-2484