Norovirus Outbreaks Higher Than Last Year
Bay Area nursing homes and several counties in California this season have reported an increase in norovirus outbreaks compared to last year, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
At least 18 Bay Area nursing homes since October have reported norovirus outbreaks. Improved reporting could account for the increase in outbreaks compared with last year, according to health officials.
In Sonoma County, three deaths have been traced to the norovirus, and health officials since October have reported more than 300 cases at eight facilities. All three deaths were elderly people who had other medical conditions
Noroviruses account for the second-most common illness in the U.S. and cause violent and sudden bouts of diarrhea and vomiting. Outbreaks occur in crowded settings, including nursing homes, and typically last for up to two days.
San Mateo County quarantined patients at four assisted living centers, but health officials on Wednesday lifted restrictions at two sites (Allday, San Francisco Chronicle, 12/14).