Norovirus in Iowa

Nearly 1,000 Iowans have gotten ill in the last several weeks due to norovirus.

At least seven outbreaks have occurred in a wide variety of settings such as social receptions, long−term care facilities, a gaming facility, business functions, restaurants and schools. The outbreaks have no common links, but are spread by people failing to wash their hands after going to the bathroom and before preparing food, as well as working in food preparation while ill with vomiting and diarrhea. [Now there's a mental image I didn't need...]

While norovirus outbreaks can occur throughout the year, it is unusual to see this number of them in a short period of time, prompting concerns that more disease will spread as we go into the holiday season.