Norovirus hits 13 long-term health sites in county

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Leslie Piotrowski

Updated: April 1, 2012 1:15AM

Winter is when gastrointestinal outbreaks occur most, and the norovirus has struck hundreds of patients and staff at 13 long-term health-care facilities and some day care operations in Lake County this winter.

Since October, facilities have been hit by the norovirus, which causes diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain, in Lake Forest, Libertyville, Waukegan, Lake Barrington, Lincolnshire, Gurnee, Zion, Fox Lake and Buffalo Grove.

This year has already gotten off to a good start in terms of the number of facilities reporting the virus, with nine cases this year — eight long-term health-care facilities and one day care.

“This is the most common time (for these outbreaks),” said Leslie Piotrowski, communications manager for the Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center.

“We are on par to be about even,” she said of the number of cases at long-term health-care facilities and day care centers.

In 2009, there were 16 outbreaks at 12 long-term facilities and the rest at day care facilities. In 2010, there were 25, with 10 at long-term facilities and in 2011 there were 16, with 10 at long-term facilities.

For this winter there were five cases between October and December. So far, January has had nine cases, eight of which were at long-term facilities.

“We have to warn people that this is the time of year that it peaks,” said Piotrowski, “People are indoors and in close contact with each other.”

The virus is spread by people not washing their hands after using the bathroom. Outbreaks occur where there are more people in a small area, such as nursing homes, restaurants, catered events and cruise ships.

Good hygiene practices are important to prevent transmission from person to person. Steps that can help you avoid noroviruses include frequently washing your hands, especially after toileting or changing diapers, and before eating or preparing food. Surfaces must be decontaminated using a bleach-based cleaner and linens and clothing must be washed.

Persons who are infected with norovirus should refrain from food preparation while they have symptoms and for three days after they recover from their illness.