Wausau Pilot & Review
The Marathon County Health Department is reporting high levels of norovirus in wastewater in the greater Wausau area. According to data from Wastewater Scan, a collaboration with the Wausau Waterworks Treatment Facility, the levels of norovirus detected in Wausau’s wastewater are among the highest in the country. The levels of norovirus concentration have been climbing steadily since mid-December.
Norovirus is highly contagious.
“It’s important for people to remember that it only takes a few virus particles to make someone sick. That’s why it is critical for people to wash their hands well and often,” said Laura Scudiere, Marathon County’s Health Officer.
Scudiere recommends washing hands with soap and water after using the bathroom, before eating, and whenever your hands are soiled. Hand sanitizers do not work well against norovirus.
Other prevention practices include thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing surfaces that may have come in contact with virus particles or are frequently touched surfaces, like bathrooms, door handles, countertops, and faucet handles.
Signs and symptoms of norovirus include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain. If you are sick, stay home from work and school while symptoms are present and for two days after symptoms stop. Employers are encouraged to send employees home who present with signs and symptoms of norovirus, as it is a highly contagious disease.
According to Wisconsin Department of Health, there is no specific medicine to treat norovirus. If you get norovirus, you should drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Most people with norovirus recover in one to three days.
Norovirus can be found anywhere. However, if you’ve recently eaten at a restaurant in Marathon County and have norovirus-like symptoms, please call the Marathon County Health Department at 715-261-1900. The Marathon County Health Department works to investigate foodborne illness and communicable disease in an effort to protect the public.
