As Norovirus Surges, Camden Co. Health Officials Urge Precautions

CAMDEN COUNTY, NJ — As Norovirus surges throughout the country, the Camden County Health Department is urging people to take precautions against the gnarly stomach bug.

Norovirus can cause intense bouts of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps. Although most people get better in 1 to 3 days, you can still spread the virus for two or more weeks after you feel better, the CDC says.

Outbreaks of the virus have hit a 10-year national high, according to the CDC. And they've spiked in New Jersey following holiday gatherings, according to the state health department.

• Read more: Contagious Nasty Stomach Bug Cases Spike In NJ

The virus spreads in the following ways:

• Having direct contact with someone with Norovirus, including caring for them, sharing food or eating utensils with them, or eating food they handled.
• Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with Norovirus.
• Touching contaminated objects or surfaces and then putting your unwashed fingers in your mouth.

The Camden County Health Department urged residents to take actions to help prevent Norovirus from spreading:

• Wash your hands well and often.
  
• Cook shellfish thoroughly.
• Wash fruits and vegetables.
• Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces.
• Wash laundry in hot water.
• Stay home when sick for two days (48 hours) after symptoms stop.

"It is imperative that residents remain vigilant and take precaution to prevent getting sick," said County Commissioner Virginia Betteridge, liaison to the county health department.

For any general questions, call the Camden County Health Department at 856-549-0530. You can also visit the CDC's Norovirus webpage.