Officials: Noroviruses sickened dozens at Lake Placid camp



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SEBRING, Fla. – Dozens of children who became ill at 4-H Cloverleaf camp last week were sickened by the Norovirus, health officials said.

"The water tests, done with great caution, are negative for any pathogenic bacteria," said Monday the Florida Department of Health in Highlands County.

MORE: 33 children released from hospital after falling ill at Lake Placid 4-H Camp

Campers started throwing up Wednesday, but things got more serious after a child passed out.

A total of 33 children and three adults were hospitalized.

"Our epidemiology team has informed health departments in the counties of all campers, and proper follow-up will be done," said Mary Kay Burns, Highlands County Health Officer, in a statement. "Camp officials have already started the camp disinfection process, and a new inspection will be done once the cleanup is complete. We will also provide information on good handwashing and food preparation techniques to avoid new incidents. "

Norovirus is a highly contagious gastrointestinal disease that is easily spread from one person to another and can spread quickly in closed environments, such as a summer camp, officials said. the health. People can become sick from eating or drinking, contaminating food or liquids, touching surfaces or objects contaminated by the virus, then putting their hands in their mouths or in direct contact with an infected person.

Norovirus is the most common cause of outbreaks of foodborne illness in the United States, health officials said. The best way to help prevent norovirus is to practice frequent and proper hand washing and general cleanliness, especially when preparing or handling food. The norovirus infection causes acute gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines). The most common symptoms are diarrhea, nausea and gastric pain. Most people with norovirus recover in 1-3 days.

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© 2018 WTSP

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