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December 27, 2006

Health department warns of Norovirus in R.I.

The state is experiencing an increase in Norovirus infection, a spike that is typical this time of year, according to an announcement today by the state Department of Health.

The highly contagious Norovirus is a short-term, gastro-intestinal illness sometimes referred to as the “stomach flu.” Symptoms include the sudden onset of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, according to the health department.

The symptoms generally last two or three days, though the infection can be passed on as long as three days after the symptoms disappear.

The health department did not provide an exact count of the Norovirus cases in Rhode Island. But health care providers in the state are reporting some Norovirus-like illness, and some cases have already been confirmed at the state laboratory.

The health department is encouraging Rhode Islanders to protect themselves from the virus by washing their hands often using soap and running water.

Posted by Steve Peoples  at 2:24 PM | Permalink

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Kim P | December 27, 2006 3:47 PM link

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