Sonoma County public health officials said high levels of norovirus have been detected in wastewater monitoring over the past month, and four outbreaks have been reported.
Officials said Wednesday that three of the four outbreaks that occurred in June and early July occurred in health care facilities, including a local hospital.
The fourth facility was a residential substance use treatment center, authorities said.
County public health officials said they will not share information that could identify individuals or facilities affected by these outbreaks.
Officials said they were “working closely with the affected facilities to ensure the health and safety of their employees and the public.”
Norovirus is a leading cause of vomiting, diarrhea and food poisoning in the United States, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
It is highly contagious and can survive on surfaces and objects for weeks, spreading rapidly in schools, daycare centers, cruise ships, nursing homes and health care facilities.
Dr. Leslie Kimura, deputy public health officer for Sonoma County, emphasized the importance and effectiveness of proper hygiene.
“Hand sanitizers alone are not effective against norovirus, so washing your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water is an important preventive measure,” Kimura said in an email.
In light of the recent outbreaks and increased detections in wastewater, county officials urged health care providers to consider norovirus when diagnosing acute gastrointestinal illness and to test when appropriate.
The county also recommends washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds if you suspect you have norovirus.
Dr Kimura said summer vacation could reduce the chances of children becoming infected.
“It may be important to emphasize that most schools are currently closed, which may be the reason for the lack of reports from these locations,” Kimura said.
Outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis in facilities such as daycares, hospitals and congregate living facilities should be reported to Sonoma County Public Health by calling 707-565-4567, faxing 707-565-4565 or emailing phnurse@sonoma-county.org between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Staff writer Martin Espinoza can be reached at 707-521-5213 or martin.espinoza@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter: @pressreno.
