Flu season, norovirus pop up with start of winter

Posted 1/21/25

The Wyoming Department of Health has reported an increase in the occurrence of norovirus in the state, but so far it hasn’t been quite as big of an issue in Park County as it has in other …

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Flu season, norovirus pop up with start of winter

Posted

The Wyoming Department of Health has reported an increase in the occurrence of norovirus in the state, but so far it hasn’t been quite as big of an issue in Park County as it has in other parts. 

Dr. Aaron Billin, Park County’s public health officer, said while there have been clusters of norovirus in northeast Wyoming, there haven't been any locally, although he said there is certainly norovirus going around, as the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis is incredibly easy to spread to others. 

“It only takes about 100 virus particles to cause an infection,” he said. “It doesn’t take much to go from one to another.”

Many other viruses take tens of thousands of particles to be transmitted.

WDH announced an increase in outbreaks due to norovirus that began in mid-December, according to a press release. Wastewater testing confirmed elevated levels of circulating norovirus in communities.

People who are sick with norovirus may experience nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, fatigue and, sometimes, dehydration, according to the WDH. Other viruses and illnesses caused by bacteria contamination such as E. coli can cause similar symptoms, but norovirus is most common. 

Matt Peterson, WDH surveillance epidemiologist, said contamination is frequently not obvious. 

“A kitchen or restroom may look clean, but we’re often talking about extremely tiny amounts of poop or vomit. We can’t always see what can unfortunately make us very sick,” he said in the release. “When people get ill this way, they most often blame the last thing they ate. However, illness can hit quickly between 12 to 48 hours after a person has been exposed.”

The virus many people think of as a “stomach bug” is generally not too serious, but in certain circumstances it can be.

“Symptoms usually last from one to three days without causing long-term problems, but when they lead to dehydration, it becomes a serious situation,” Peterson said. 

People who become severely ill may need to call or visit a medical professional. Infants, young children, immune-compromised persons, and persons unable to care for themselves, such as the disabled or elderly, are at higher risk for dehydration and may need hospitalization.

Billin said the rise in norovirus, as well as flu, Covid and other viruses, is a natural result of people being indoors more as the weather cools and thus in more prolonged, closer contact. 

He said this winter Covid is becoming a “perennial winter respiratory virus like the common cold.”

Doctors have also seen more cases of influenza recently, coinciding with the usual start of flu season. 

“Prevention is the key,” Billin said. 

He suggested staying up to date on Covid and flu vaccines, washing hands, covering your hands when you cough and “probably one of the most important things, stay home when you’re sick.”

      

WDH recommended steps to help prevent illness include:

• Frequently wash hands with warm water and soap, especially after using the restroom or changing diapers, and before eating or preparing food.

• If ill, stay home from work and school, especially if employed in food-handling, health care or child care.

• Ill persons should take extra care to avoid spreading the virus by minimizing contact with other persons while ill and practicing good hygiene.

• Immediately remove and wash contaminated clothing or linens after an episode of illness (use hot water and soap).

• Flush or discard any vomit and/or poop in the toilet and keep the surrounding area clean.

• Thoroughly clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces immediately after an episode of vomiting or diarrhea with a solution of 1 cup household bleach per 1 gallon of water and letting the solution sit for one minute. Follow manufacturers’ safety precautions.

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