February 23, 2010

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control is warning the public that they have seen an increase in the number of diarrheal outbreaks in the state.

According to DHEC staff, the symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps. Other symptoms can include a fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and fatigue. Initial symptoms usually appear within 48 hours of being exposed and lasts about one or two days.

How to you ward off the Norovirus? Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water. According to Dr. Jerry Gibson, this is the most effective way to stop the spread of the virus from person to person.

DHEC has posted cleaning guidelines for institutions such as schools, nursing homes and assisted living facilities on their Web site at www.scdhec.gov/health/licen/GuideGastroVirus.pdf.

If you have any of the symptoms of the Norovirus, you should stay home and wash your hands often to reduce the spread of the illness. You usually will not need medial treatment, but if symptoms are prolonged, contact your doctor.