Norovirus epidemic strikes DC children's hospital

Health officials confirm that a children's hospital in northeastern Washington is affected by a norovirus outbreak.

The pediatric center at the Hospital for Sick Children alerted health officials at the health center that three patients were positive for the infectious virus this week. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention anticipate that a norovirus outbreak is defined as one or more similar occurrences resulting from a common exposure.

A spokeswoman for the hospital told WTOP that other patients had been tested, but no new norovirus infections had been identified in the last 24 hours.

"The hospital has protocols in place to manage the spread of infection based on the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control," said a spokeswoman for the HSC Health System.

The most common symptoms of norovirus include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain. According to the CDC, no matter who can get infected and get sick of the virus.

Norovirus can spread by:

• Have direct contact with an infected person.
• Consume contaminated food or water.
• Touch contaminated surfaces and put unwashed hands in the mouth.

The CDC shared the following tips for preventing norovirus:

• Wash your hands often.
• Rinse fruits and vegetables.
• Cook the molluscs thoroughly.
• Stay home when you are sick and for two days after the symptoms have stopped.
• Avoid preparing food for others if you are sick and for two days after stopping symptoms.

Norovirus outbreaks are common and can occur at any time, but most occur from November to April.

The Children's Hospital Children's Hospital Pediatric Center is located at 1731 Bunker Hill Road in northeastern British Columbia.

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