Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency officials on Friday made a startling announcement as they continue to follow a gastrointestinal illness outbreak that is likely Norovirus.
"...the number of sick people is increasing every day at a very alarming rate."
Over 952 students, teachers and staff are reportedly sick with stomach cramps, vomiting, and sometimes diarrhea in schools throughout the county. Officials said the number of sick people is increasing every day at a very alarming rate.
With testing of specimens collected it has been confirmed that schools have been contaminated with Norovirus which is highly contagious. Norovirus commonly spreads through touching surfaces contaminated with the virus, close contact with someone who is infected or eating contaminated food or drink.
Schools affected by the spread of Norovirus include Davis Joint Unified School District, with 181 sick; Esparto Unified School District, 49 sick; Washington Unified School District, 217 sick; Woodland Joint Unified School District, 434; Winters Joint Unified School District, 39 sick; and the University of California, Davis, 32 sick.
If you have symptoms of Norovirus it is advised that you stay home for an additional 48 hours after symptoms are gone, wash your hands frequently throughout the day with soap and water, clean contaminated surfaces regularly with appropriate disinfectant, such as bleach, and do not prepare food and drink for others if you are sick.
For more information on Norovirus, you can visit the Centers for Disease Control website.