Las Vegas, NV (KXNT) - The Southern Nevada Health District continues to investigate an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness at Wayne Tanaka Elementary School on back in late January. To date, the agency is reporting a total of 71 confirmed and probable cases of norovirus associated with this outbreak.
Two cases were confirmed through laboratory testing, and 69 cases identified through interviews met the criteria to be considered a probable case.
The cause of the outbreak at Tanaka still hasn’t been determined.
Norovirus is very contagious and spreads from person to person. Norovirus outbreaks can frequently occur in settings such as school campuses and it is often difficult to determine the origin of the illness.The best way individuals can protect themselves and others from norovirus is by washing their hands thoroughly with soap and running water.
People who are exposed to norovirus will usually develop symptoms within 12 to 48 hours after exposure. Most people will recover within one to three days. Common symptoms are diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and stomach pain. Symptoms can also include fever, headache and body aches.