Norovirus Activity in King County Community

During December 2006, Public Health received an increased number of reports of norovirus-like illness outbreaks in institutional settings including long term care facilities (LTCFs) and assisted living facilities. In addition, surveillance of emergency department visits suggests increased levels of GI illness. Consequently, we are providing King County healthcare providers with a norovirus factsheet that may provided to persons with suspected norovirus infection and information on norovirus outbreak control strategies for healthcare facilities. The factsheet may also be read and downloaded from the Public Health's norovirus website at www.metrokc.gov/health/prevcont/norovirus.htm

As students return to school from winter break, it is possible we will observe an increase in both viral respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses. Public Health recommends reinforcing with families and staff that ill persons should stay home from work or school and avoid visiting inpatient and long term healthcare facilities. Because noroviruses in particular can be infectious for 48 hours or more after symptoms resolve, healthcare workers with acute gastroenteritis should avoid patient contact for 2 days after recovery.

• Norovirus Infections: Public Health Importance and Outbreak Management (PDF)