Emma Wilson Families,

Please be aware that the Butte County Public Health Department has sent out a health advisory as a precautionary measure to help prevent the spread of the Norovirus. 
 What is norovirus? 
* Norovirus is a highly contagious viral illness that spreads easily in the school setting. Norovirus illness is often incorrectly referred to as “stomach flu”, but is not related to the influenza virus. 
* The most common symptoms include a sudden onset of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain, sometimes with low fever. 
* People can become infected by: 
o Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus 
o Having direct contact with an infected person, and 
o Touching contaminated surfaces or objects, and then putting their hands in their mouth. 
* Most people get better within 1-2 days. 
* Norovirus can be serious for some people, especially the very young, the elderly, and people with other illnesses. 
* Norovirus is found in the stool and vomit of infected people. People ill with norovirus can transmit the virus to other people, especially while ill and in the first 48 hours after symptoms stop. 
How can norovirus be prevented? 
The most important steps to prevent the spread of Norovirus are to: 
* Stay home if you are sick and for 48 hours after symptoms go away. 
* Wash your hands with soap and water, especially after using the toilet or changing diapers, and before eating or preparing food. 
* Avoid preparing food for others while ill and for 48 hours after symptoms go away. 
* Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces with a bleach-based household cleaner as directed on the product label. 
* Wash contaminated clothing or linens immediately. Launder with detergent at the maximum cycle length and machine dry. 

For questions or guidance regarding this information, please contact the Butte County Public Health Department. To reach the communicable Disease program, call 530-538-2840.