Vt. Health Officials Warn Of Norovirus

Vt. health officials warn of norovirus

Feb 03, 2012 1:14 PM EST

A recent outbreak of norovirus at Middlebury College has health officials reminding people to be careful to prevent the spread of the disease.

Norovirus is a stomach flu that typically lasts for one to two days. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea. Though it isn't serious, officials say older people or infants are at a higher risk because they can get dehydrated more easily.

"It's an illness that occurs frequently during this time of year during the colder months, it happens every year. We have had a number of outbreaks in institutional settings across Vermont, but we think that everyone needs to be aware of the situation so they can take the proper precautions to prevent themselves from getting sick," said Bradley Tompkins of the Vermont Health Department.

Outbreaks have been reported in Franklin and Addison counties. Officials say the easiest way to prevent the disease from spreading is to wash your hands.

My oldest daughter's family down in Bellows Falls has had it - What appears to be happening is that when people start feeling a little better they go out in public or back to school or back to work, not realizing that this illness is contagious from the onset until 3 days after one starts to feel better.

The Vt. Health Officials say this is not serious, but my daughter says lots of messes from the vomiting and dirrahea and they all have run a fever with it.

I personally am laying low with not much contact with the outside world, just in case.