The state Department of Public Health reminded residents Monday to wash hands regularly and thoroughly to help prevent highly contagious noroviruses that can cause inflammation of the stomach and intestines, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramping, low-grade fever or chills, headache and muscle aches.

Noroviruses, commonly called “stomach flu,” are the leading cause of foodborne illness outbreaks, infecting thousands of people each year, state health officials said in a news release. Found in the stool or vomit of infected people, the viruses are transferred to food, water or surfaces by the hands of infected people who have not washed adequately after using the bathroom.

“Norovirus can be a very nasty virus and a miserable couple of days for somebody unfortunate enough to become infected,” Epidemiologist, Dr. Matthew Cartter said. “People can protect themselves and others from norovirus by taking simple steps like washing their hands often, cleaning and disinfecting common surfaces, like doorknobs and handrails, and not preparing food if they are not feeling well.”

November through January is the peak time of year for norovirus infections, and spikes often occur around the holidays.

To prevent norovirus infections:

[naviga:ul][naviga:li]Wash hands with warm, soapy water for 20 seconds after using the bathroom, changing diapers, before preparing foods and before eating.[/naviga:li][naviga:li]Wash hands more often when someone in the household is sick.[/naviga:li][naviga:li]Clean and disinfect surfaces with a household bleach solution immediately after vomiting or diarrheal accidents.[/naviga:li][naviga:li]Steam oysters before eating them. [/naviga:li][/naviga:ul]

Anyone who has symptoms should avoid preparing food for others for at least three days after recovery. Symptoms usually begin one or two days after ingesting the virus, but may appear as early as 12 hours after exposure. The illness typically comes on suddenly. Most people recover in one or two days and have no long-term health effects, but dehydration can be a concern in the very young, the elderly, or people with weakened immune systems

For information, visit: http://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/.