Vancouver, BC – Outbreaks of gastroenteritis caused by Norovirus occur throughout the year, but are most common in the winter months. The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) and the Provincial Infection Control Network (PICNet) are reminding the general public about simple steps they can take to help reduce the risk of spreading this illness.

Since January 1, the BCCDC has recorded 175 outbreaks of Norovirus in British Columbia. These outbreaks are most common in health care facilities, but they also occur in daycare centres, schools, cruise ships and have been associated with social gatherings and restaurants.

Practicing good basic personal hygiene is the key to reducing spread. “The best thing anyone can do to reduce their risk of this illness is to wash their hands vigorously with soap and water for 20 seconds,” says Bruce Gamage, Manager of PICNet. “This is especially important after using the toilet and before preparing or eating food.”

Stringent cleaning of hard surfaces and using diluted bleach for disinfection is also important to prevent others in a household from catching this disease.  “The virus is not readily killed by regular household cleaners, so touching doorknobs, hand rails and other surfaces can easily transmit these bugs from person to person,” says Gamage.  “When there is a sick person in the home it is important to clean bathrooms, kitchens and food areas effectively, disinfecting surfaces using a dilute bleach solution, freshly prepared with one part household bleach to 50 parts water.”

Norovirus symptoms often occur without warning, causing sudden onset of vomiting, diarrhea and fatigue. Symptoms begin 18-36 hours after exposure to the virus and rarely last more than two days. More commonly known as the “stomach flu”, Norovirus should not be confused with influenza, which causes symptoms such as cough, sore throat, fever, muscle aches and headaches lasting up to five days.

The virus is mainly transmitted from person to person on the unwashed hands of someone with vomiting or diarrhea. Contaminated foods may also spread the virus. Those who have suffered from symptoms should not visit or work in crowded places until they are symptom-free for 48 hours. Drinking plenty of fluids and resting at home is sufficient to recover from a norovirus infection. Going to work, especially for health care or food service workers, can lead to further outbreaks. If the symptoms persist or get worse, a family doctor should be consulted.

• Frequently wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds
• Wash fruits and vegetables carefully
• If there is a sick person in the house, clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces with bleach-based household cleaners
• Remove and wash clothing or linen that may be contaminated with hot water and soap after an episode of diarrhea or vomiting

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Media contact:

Judy Hsu
BCCDC Communications
604-660-2343 or 604-632-7629
judy.hsu@bccdc.ca