It’s norovirus season and the Vancouver Island Health Authority is asking those sick with the bug to stay at home to help stop its spread.
VIHA issued a warning following active outbreaks of norovirus or noro-like symptoms at five healthcare facilities in Victoria and Saanichton. The affected facilities are Beacon Hill Villa, Mount Edwards Court, Sunrise of Victoria and Saanich Peninsula Hospital.
VIHA believes the illness was brought into each site by visitors or patients.
Often dubbed the stomach flu, norovirus is highly contagious and may include symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain or slight fever.
The virus has an incubation period of 24 to 48 hours, tends to begin suddenly and lasts only for one to three days. It can be transmitted by direct or indirect contact or by droplets of an infected person’s vomit. Regular hand washing is the easiest way to help prevent contracting the virus.
nnorth@saanichnews.com