(Memphis) Health officials across Shelby County are warning about the Norovirus and how easily it can spread.
“It’s actually a family of viruses that are grouped together called the Noroviruses,” explained Dr. John Devincenzo at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital.
The symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramping.
“The last week or so we have seen a fair number of kids. A lot of kids we are seeing are in the daycare population so I would say under 5 years of age,” said Dr. Jay Pershad in the Lebonheur Emergency Department.
“The younger ones are at greater risk because their reserve is lower of getting dehydrated,” added Pershad.
Doctors warn that the virus is extremely contagious.
They recommend using a diluted bleach solution to clean areas during the illness that last anywhere from 1 to 4 days.
“You have to be extremely vigilant about washing hands, making sure you don’t prepare food before you wash your hands,” said Dr. Vincenzo who also said antibacterial gels will not kill the virus.
“You have to physically get them off your hand instead of killing them on your hand. Physically getting them off your hand is best done by soap and water.”
The Health Department is reporting four outbreaks where two or more people at one location reported illness.
They are asking everyone to notify them if they have a group with the symptoms.
