Norovirus cases on the rise in Central Illinois

Posted on February 15, 2024
The virus is easily spread, from food being placed on a counter with norovirus particles, or by touching surfaces or objects contaminated with the virus. (Photo courtesy: Flickr)

By WMBD-TV

TREMONT – A highly contagious virus that can lead to vomiting and diarrhea, norovirus, commonly referred to as the stomach flu, is seeing an uptick in cases in the central Illinois region.

Health departments do not have exact numbers, as norovirus is only reportable during an outbreak. This is according to Megan Hanley, a Tazewell County Health Department epidemiologist. She said that the virus is widespread around the county.

“We as a health department have heard of clusters in different community groups, teams, faith-based organizations, and schools. It’s all over the county at this point”, she said.

The virus is easily spread, from food being placed on a counter with norovirus particles, or by touching surfaces or objects contaminated with the virus.

Hanley said that washing hands and cleaning with bleach are effective ways to kill the virus. She said a bleach-based cleaning solution should be three tablespoons of bleach mixed with water.

The Peoria City/County Health Department also released a norovirus alert on its Facebook page.

WMBD-TV can be reached at [email protected].

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