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Parents are being reminded to keep sick children at home following an outbreak of norovirus spreading around Island schools.
The Community Infection Control nurse at the General Hospital has confirmed there’s a sickness bug going around after a boy came down with it at Victoria College this week.
The Education Department says children shouldn’t go back to school until 48 hours after the last bout of sickness.
Norovirus is not usually dangerous, just unpleasant. The first sign of it is a sick feeling which is followed by sudden vomiting and diahorrea. Some people also get a temperature (over 38°C), headaches, painful stomach cramps and aching limbs.
You can’t help getting norovirus but here are some ways you can help prevent the germs spreading:
Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water, particularly after using the toilet and before preparing food.
Don't share towels and flannels.
Disinfect any surfaces or objects that could be contaminated with the virus. It's best to use a bleach-based household cleaner.
Wash any items of clothing or bedding that could have become contaminated with the virus. Wash the items separately and on a hot wash to ensure that the virus is killed.
Flush away any infected faeces or vomit in the toilet and clean the surrounding toilet area.
Avoid eating raw, unwashed produce and only eat oysters from a reliable source. Oysters have been known to carry the norovirus.
Anyone with norovirus should stay away from the hospital.
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