Norovirus on the rise in Flathead County

Cases of a stomach bug causing diarrhea and vomiting from norovirus have appeared in local assisted and long-term care facilities, according to the Flathead City-County Health Department. With Thanksgiving just a couple of days away, health officials are worried time with family could put people with underlying health conditions at risk if the illness is ignored.

Norovirus is a contagious virus that can infect anyone, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The illness is associated with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea symptoms.

Hilary Hanson with the Flathead City-County Health Department said norovirus is an illness that hangs out in the valley year-round, though there seems to be an uptick of the illness throughout the winter.

“We’ve had two outbreaks in long-term facilities in communities in the last month, and if we’re seeing it there, it usually means norovirus is in other areas in the community already,” she said. “It’s important that people take this very seriously, because — while there hasn’t been any this year — we have seen deaths in the past due to this.”

She said the people most at-risk for dangerous symptoms if they’re infected by the illness are people with already weak immune systems. That can include young children, seniors or people with health concerns.

Norovirus can spread to someone by another infected person, through contaminated food or water or by touching contaminated surfaces, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The virus can inflame a person’s stomach and intestines.

A person usually develops symptoms 12 to 48 hours after being exposed to norovirus. Most people get better within one to three days. People with underlying health conditions may experience severe complications if they’re infected by the illness.

Hanson said while it may be hard for families to consider during the holidays, it’s important for someone who feels sick to avoid being around others.

“It’s not just about preventing illness to yourself, if you do get sick it’s important to be healthy and cautious before visiting grandma or grandpa or whoever,” Hanson said.

For more information, call the Flathead City-County Health Department at 406-751-8101 or visit flatheadhealth.org.

Reporter Katheryn Houghton may be reached at 758-4436 or khoughton@dailyinterlake.com.