Updated numbers on norovirus outbreak

EUREKA – Hundreds of kids are sick and thousands more are exhibiting symptoms. We have updated numbers on the norovirus outbreak.
The 22 schools who shared attendance data with Humboldt County Department of Public Health reported 3,010 absences this week. More than a third of those were out with norovirus symptoms including fever, vomiting and diarrhea.
It started at Pine Hill School last Wednesday when 130 students fell ill. Three cases were confirmed to be the same strain of norovirus.
It spread quickly from there prompting public health to recommend closure of South Bay Union School District and Eureka City Schools. Other districts followed as a precaution.
Public health officials say the scheduled winter break will offer districts a chance to get ahead of the outbreak.
Supervising Public Health Nurse Eric Gordon said, “Really what that’s doing is making sure that kids aren’t there in a large group really spreading and communicating this amongst themselves and that also gives them a chance to do some environmental cleaning. And I know they’re looking in to essentially a deep clean with some bleach produces to clean as much as they can.”
There is no cure for norovirus. To prevent spread, wash your hands thoroughly before cooking and after you use the restroom. Hand sanitizers are ineffective against the virus.
If you contract the illness, health officials recommend lots of fluids.
Symptoms usually subside within a few days.