Cook Children’s Shares Expert Advice About Norovirus
With Norovirus recently forcing the temporary closure of a school in Tarrant County for a deep cleaning, Cook Children’s Medical Center experts share advice on how to combat the nasty virus.
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that typically occurs during the winter months (November to April).
Cook Children’s Medical Center Fort Worth and Prosper has seen a 26% positivity rate of norovirus during the week of Feb. 22 to Feb. 28. Tarrant County Public Health maintains regular surveillance of norovirus.
What parents should know about Norovirus:
1. Norovirus can cause SEVERE vomiting and diarrhea. Treating children with fluids and monitoring for dehydration is critical.
2. Norovirus is HIGHLY contagious by contact with another person with the virus, eating food that is contaminated or touching contaminated surfaces and putting your fingers in your mouth. Symptoms usually develop 1-2 days after you have been exposed.
3. Prevent infection by washing food well, washing your hands with soap and water frequently and disinfecting contaminated surfaces.
4. Monitor for the following signs of dehydration including: dry mouth or lips, decreased activity level or decreased urine.
If you have had a child (or you have had) with norovirus, here is a cleaning plan to help “decontaminate” your house:
- Wash your hands with soap and water frequently.
- Wear gloves for everything (diaper changes, cleaning and handling clothes).
- Clean all toys and surfaces with a bleach solution (5-10 tablespoons in 1 gallon of water).
- Wash laundry on the hottest, longest cycle available and machine dry.
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