An unusually intense outbreak of norovirus has prompted the region's medical health officer to send a warning about the condition to parents though local schools.
"Norovirus outbreaks occur every year, however, the activity this winter has been unusually intense," said medical health officer Dr. Paul Martiquet in a release. "Infections are very common, especially in schools."
Norovirus illness usually includes a sudden onset of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Though people can get quite uncomfortable, the illness is generally not serious. People infected with norovirus usually get better on their own in a few days without treatment. Because a virus causes these infections, antibiotics do not work.
The main source of norovirus is vomit and feces from infected people. As the virus can survive on hard surfaces (such as counter tops, sink taps, door knobs) for a long time, attention to proper hand washing and cleanliness of washrooms and common touch surfaces is extremely important.
