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Norovirus information from the NJDOH DSH Team

Posted 3 months ago

Our thanks to our PR Event Coordinator/ Education Chairperson, Dr. Denise Makri-Werzen, PUBH:CH HP RN/MT(ASCP) CSN/HT Ph.D. MS BS for sharing this Norovirus information from the NJDOH DSH Team:

Daycares, Schools, and Higher Education (DSH) Team Monthly Email

Here's hoping you had a wonderful start to your 2025!

Let's start the new year right by looking at how to prevent norovirus in childcare and schools.

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, as well as other symptoms such as abdominal pain, fatigue, and dehydration. People infected with norovirus usually start to show symptoms 12-48 hours after exposure.

How it Spreads

Norovirus can spread quickly in childcare and schools by:

  • Having direct contact with someone with norovirus, like caring for them, sharing food or eating utensils with them, or eating food handled by them.

  • Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus

  • Touching contaminated objects or surfaces and then putting your unwashed fingers in your mouth.

Reporting

If an increase in students who are absent due to GI symptoms is noted in your childcare or school, call the local health department, who can help determine if the increase is an outbreak.

Prevention

During a norovirus outbreak, the local health department will provide recommendations to stop the spread.

Recommendations to prevent additional illness:

  • Ensure students and staff stay home when they are sick.

  • Students and staff should stay home when experiencing GI symptoms of vomiting or diarrhea until 24-48 hours after symptoms stop.

  • Staff who are involved in the preparation or handling of food should not return to those duties until 48-72 after symptoms stop.

  • Advocate for improved handwashing behaviors.

  • Remind students and staff to wash their hands well and often. 

  • Promote the use of soap and water, which is more effective against norovirus than alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

  • Follow safe food handling techniques.

  • Clean and disinfect highly used surfaces with products that are effective against norovirus from EPA List G and review policies for cleaning up vomit and feces.

  • Educate families about what norovirus is and what they can do to help prevent illness.

Click here for more information from NJDOH School Health on GI illnesses, exclusion recommendations, and the guidance document "Prevention of Norovirus Outbreaks in Schools and Childcare Settings".

Print out these norovirus posters to hang in your childcare centers and schools!

English Version

Spanish Version

Thank you!

Thank you to those who attended our webinar, Prevention and Mitigation of Common Infectious Illnesses in Educational Settings, on November 21, 2024. This webinar includes information on norovirus as well as hand, foot, and mouth disease, fifth disease and conjunctivitis (pink eye).

This training is also available on NJCCIS.

You are receiving this email because you previously registered for a training provided by the 

New Jersey Department of Health’s DSH Team (Daycares, Schools & Higher Education) or have signed up to receive our email communications.

 

Please remember to visit the NJDOH School Health webpage frequently for updated guidance and educational materials.