MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Shelby County Health Department confirmed Friday it is monitoring an outbreak of norovirus at a senior living facility.
The outbreak is at The Glenmary at Evergreen on North Parkway.
“My mom did have it. She woke up in the middle of the night throwing up,” said Jessica Robinson, who visited her mother Friday.
Robinson said her 98-year-old mother was feeling better, but she came down with norovirus this week.
“She was really sick yesterday. I spent all day with her. She kind of slept. We got her to sip clear liquids,” she explained.
The Shelby County Health Department said norovirus comes on quickly and includes symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea lasting about 24 to 48 hours.
The Health Department could not give a definite number of cases but said an outbreak means more than three.
“We got notification earlier this week there were some people ill. We sent a team out there to observe the situation and work with the facility staff,” said Chief of Epidemiology David Sweat.
The Health Department offices were closed Good Friday but Sweat spoke with WREG over the phone.
He explained tips given to the facility to reduce the risk of the norovirus spreading.
“Limit communal gatherings, limit communal meals. You make sure to identify ill people who work there, exclude them from work while they’re ill, and you strengthen the hand-washing protocols,” he said.
He said that means using soap and water to wash hands.
Using hand sanitizer for norovirus will not cut it.
“I think The Glenmary’s handled it beautifully,” Robinson said.
She said that her mom is on the mend, and she hopes others are too.
“Today she’s up with a hard-boiled egg, broth, and she was not happy because happy hour has been canceled,” she joked.
Possibly due to the holiday, WREG did not receive a call back from a supervisor at The Glenmary for comment.
It is a Veritas InCare property.
WREG did not receive a call back from that office either.
