Preventing Norovirus
Consumers can prevent norovirus by:
- washing hands carefully
- do not prepare food while you are ill
- steam oysters before eating
- thoroughly cleaning after episodes of illness
Minimizing Your Risk
- Wash hands after using the bathroom and changing diapers, and before
handling or eating any food.
- Wash hands before preparing food for yourself or others.
- Make sure that persons with diarrhea, especially children, wash their
hands carefully and frequently with soap to reduce the risk of spreading
the infection.
- Hand
Hygiene
Wash Your Hands!
Do not prepare food while you are ill, or for three days after you recover from illness
- Persons who are infected with norovirus should not prepare food while they have symptoms and for 3 days after they recover from their illness
- Always steam oysters before eating.
Thoroughly clean after an episode of illness
- Immediately remove and wash clothing or linens that may be contaminated
with virus after an episode of illness (use hot water and soap).
- Thoroughly clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces immediately after
an episode of illness by using a bleach-based household cleaner.
- Flush or discard any vomitus and/or stool in the toilet and make sure
that the surrounding area is kept clean.
Do you suspect that you have a foodborne illness? Visit reporting suspected foodborne illnesses.
Spotlight
Chicks and Ducklings: Salmonella
Those cute little chicks and ducklings can be a great attraction for children this time of year, but they can also be a source of illness.
Protect others if you are experiencing diarrhea!
Anyone with a diarrheal illness should avoid swimming in public pools or lakes, sharing baths with others, and preparing food for others.
Young children (children in diapers) that are experiencing diarrhea should not be allowed to go swimming or attend daycare.
If you have questions or comments about this page, use our IDEPC Comment Form or call 651-201-5414 (TTY: 651-201-5797) for the MDH Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control Division.
