ALBANY — During the winter months, schools and long-term care facilities tend to experience outbreaks of “stomach flu,” also know as gastroenteritis, caused by noroviruses. With clusters of such illness beginning to pop up in Southwest Georgia institutions, the region’s top public health official is urging parents, caregivers and the general public to recognize the symptoms, take steps to prevent infection and know what to do if they suspect it.

“Noroviruses, which are also known as Norwalk-type viruses, are extremely contagious,” Southwest Health District Health Director Jacqueline Grant said. “People with norovirus infections are contagious from the moment they begin feeling ill to at least three days after recovery. Some people may remain contagious for as long as two weeks after recovery.”

Although most people experience symptoms for only a day or two, the very young, the elderly and people with underlying health conditions are at risk of dehydration, which can lead to hospitalization. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps. Sometimes norovirus infections also include low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle ache and a general feeling of tiredness.

“During outbreaks in institutions, many people may become ill, some seriously enough to require hospitalization,” Grant said. “Staff may also become infected, leading to staffing shortages that may impact resident care in long-term care facilities or teaching in school settings.”

It is important to prevent outbreaks or recognize outbreaks early so that action can be taken to limit the impact, Grant said.

“If you suspect an outbreak of viral gastroenteritis, please contact your county health department immediately for assistance in assessing and controlling the outbreak,” Grant said. “The illness often begins suddenly, and the infected person may feel very sick. Symptoms usually begin 24 to 48 hours after exposure, but can appear as early as 12 hours after exposure.”

In general, children experience more vomiting than adults, Grant said.

“Sometimes people aren’t able to keep down enough liquids to replace what they lose from vomiting and diarrhea,” Grant said. “When that happens, they may become dehydrated. If dehydration is severe, hospitalization for treatment with intravenous fluids may be required.”

Symptoms of severe dehydration include:

• Decreased urination.

• Dry mouth and throat.

• Feeling of dizziness when standing up.

• Children may cry with few or no tears.

• Children may be unusually sleepy or fussy.

Grant said anyone can become infected with noroviruses.

“There are many different strains, so it is difficult to develop immunity,” Grant said. “Plus, norovirus infections can reoccur throughout a person’s lifetime. Because of genetic factors, some people are also simply more vulnerable to becoming infected and developing severe illness than others.”

Another concern is that noroviruses cannot be treated by antibiotics or other drugs, Grant said.

“Antibiotics fight against bacteria, not viruses,” Grant said. “We don’t have a reliable vaccine to prevent norovirus infection. The best protection is to practice prevention measures.”

Noroviruses are found in the stool and vomit of infected people.

Steps to stop noroviruses from spreading include:

• Frequent hand washing, especially after toilet visits or changing diapers and before eating or preparing food.

• Carefully washing fruits and vegetables, and steaming oysters before eating them.

• Thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting contaminated surfaces immediately after an episode of illness by using a bleach-based household cleaner.

• Immediately removing and washing clothing, towels or linens that may be contaminated after an episode of illness.

• Flushing or discarding any vomit or stool in the toilet and making sure the surrounding area is clean.

• Avoiding food preparation if you are infected with norovirus, not just while you have symptoms but also for three days after you recover.

• Properly disposing of food that may have been contaminated by someone infected with norovirus.

More information about noroviruses, prevention and control is available online at www.southwestgeorgiapublichealth.org or www.cdc.gov.