CAUSATIVE AGENT: Many different viruses can cause viral gastroenteritis. The most common cause in the United States is Norovirus.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS: Gastroenteritis attacks your stomach and intestines, causing signs and symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and no fever or a low grade fever. The symptoms usually last 24 to 48 hours and most people recover without complications. The young, the elderly and immune compromised individuals are at increased risk for dehydration and other complications.

INCUBATION PERIOD:Usually 12 to 48 hours after exposure

METHOD OF TRANSMISSION:The virus is spread by contact with an infected person who did not wash his or her hands adequately, or from objects and surfaces contaminated by diarrhea or vomit, or indirectly from food or water contaminated by stool or vomit from an infected person, or from airborne particles produced by those vomiting.

PREVENTION: To prevent transmission of the virus, it is important to practice good hand washing, to stay home until stomach flu symptoms have stopped for 48 hours, and to frequently clean commonly touched surfaces. Wear gloves and protective clothing to avoid direct contact with infectious materials like vomit and diarrhea. Avoid people who are ill.

For more information please contact your medical provider, your school nurse, the Marin Count Health Department or go to one of these links that have guidance for prevention and treatment of viral gastroenteritis.