From the McHenry County Health Department:
McHenry County Department of Health reports two-week increase in acute gastroenteritis (AGE)
MCHENRY COUNTY, IL – The McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) has seen an increase in community transmission of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) over the last two weeks.
The MCDH encourages all McHenry County residents to take preventive measures to reduce the spread of illness.
AGE, commonly caused by norovirus, spreads quickly from person to person and can survive on surfaces for days or even weeks.
Antibiotics are not effective against norovirus.
Symptoms of AGE include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain, typically lasting 24 to 48 hours.
Anyone experiencing norovirus-like symptoms should stay home while sick and for at least 24 hours after symptoms end.
Staying hydrated is essential during recovery.
Good hygiene is the best way to prevent the spread of illness.
The MCDH, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) recommend the following steps to help reduce transmission:
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially after using the toilet, changing diapers, and before eating or preparing food. Hand sanitizers are not effective against norovirus.
- Stay home from work or school until at least 24 hours after symptoms are resolved. If you are a food handler, stay home for at least 48 hours after symptoms are resolved.
- Avoid preparing food for others for at least two days after symptoms stop.
- Avoid visiting nursing homes or other congregate care settings while ill and refrain from attending social gatherings to prevent spreading the illness.
- Regularly clean and disinfect kitchen utensils, counters, and surfaces before preparing food to reduce the risk of contamination.
- When experiencing gastrointestinal illness, use disinfectants effective against norovirus. A list of such products can be found on the EPA’s Registered Antimicrobial Products Effective Against Norovirus (List G).
For more information about norovirus, please visit the CDC’s website.
