(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Area health officials say, even as they are fighting Covid, RSV and the flu, they are seeing a rise in cases of the norovirus gastrointestinal sickness too.
Cook County Public Health officials report, as of the end of December, they have seen 57 cases of norovirus, characterized by vomiting and diarrhea, in suburban areas and elsewhere.
Dr. Rachel Rubin, the Department's Senior Medical Officer, said it spreads rapidly, especially in assisted living facilities and such.
“And this kind of thing happens almost every year to some extent, but it does seem to be worse this year. We're seeing more cases, and this is where you're going to see it in congregate settings where people eat together in the dining rooms,” Dr. Rubin said.
She said it can stay on surfaces for days, and on soft surfaces, like carpets, even weeks. And it can spread fast in congregate settings, such as where people eat together.
Apryll Elliott, Assistant Director of the Kane County Health Department, says reported numbers of cases may only be the tip of the iceberg.
Elliot, who heads Communicable Disease operations for the Department, says norovirus is not an officially "reportable" disease, though if there are outbreaks that may be reported to local health departments.
“First of all, norovirus is not a reportable disease. However, we do get reports of norovirus, especially if there are, you know, particular outbreaks somewhere or just people reporting it to us,” Elliott said.
The best defense: vigorous hand washing with soap and water. Hand sanitizer won't kill it.
The progress of severe winter illnesses, and how to avoid them, is the subject of this week's At Issue program. You can hear more at 9:30 p.m. Sunday.
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