Santa Cruz County health officials concerned over potential norovirus outbreak

A norovirus outbreak at a Boulder Creek camp has left 28 children and staff infected.

The Santa Cruz County Health Agency is concerned about the potential for a significant norovirus outbreak in Santa Cruz County.

At least 200 students in ten schools in San Jose Unified School District have caught the virus and there have been more than 1200 cases in Yolo County schools.

Health officials say the virus is common, but this is an unusually high number of cases. Norovirus is normally a mild illness with symptoms like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea lasting 1-3 days. County health would like to warn people with these symptoms to stay hydrated. People with vomiting and or diarrhea should stay home for at least 48 hours after symptoms stop.

“The time that you’re infectious is most high when you have the symptoms and for 48 hours after you no longer have the symptoms,” said Anita Alvarez, director of nursing for the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency. “So for two days after, that’s the time when you’re highly contagious.”

Health services recommends people wash their hands carefully with soap and water. For anyone who has had people ill inside their home be sure to wipe down all surface areas with a bleach based house cleaner.

To find out more about norovirus click here.