Public Health Sudbury and Districts (PHSD) said there is an increase of gastrointestinal sickness in the community, which might be the result of Norovirus in local daycare centres.
The norovirus has common symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea and is highly contagious, said the health unit.
Health Canada said the virus can be spread in several ways, such as direct contact with an infected person, touching contaminated surfaces or consuming food or water that has been contaminated.
"Norovirus symptoms most often present very suddenly and involve frequent and multiple episodes of vomiting and diarrhea that last for one to two days," said the health unit.
Unlike respiratory diseases, the norovirus does not cause a cough, a runny nose, a sore throat or shortness of breath.
“People with gastrointestinal illness must stay home until the symptoms have been gone for a minimum of 48 hours," said the health unit.
PHSD also said that along with thorough handwashing before and after using the bathroom, people should be especially careful in preparing food.
If anyone in your household is sick, carefully clean up vomit and feces, wash or discard anything that was contaminated with vomit or feces, and disinfect all surfaces with a solution of one part household bleach to nine parts water 30 ml (or one ounce) of bleach in 266 ml (nine ounces) of water.
Clean and disinfect washrooms and all surfaces that people frequently touch at least once per day with a solution of one part household bleach to nine parts water, if there is someone ill in your home, said the health unit.
Learn more about norovirus and the importance of handwashing by visiting www.phsd.ca or calling Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705-522-9200, ext. 464 (toll-free 1-866-522-9200).
