The norovirus has been seen all over Northern Virginia recently with outbreaks in several nursing homes and in school.  At Terra Centre Elementary School, a Fairfax County Public School in Burke, officials reported 50 sick students Feb. 20.

This week a newsletter will be sent home from the Fairfax County Health Department informing parents of the norovirus.

  “The norovirus is a typical stomach virus.  Students may experience vomiting, diarrhea, chills, and a headache,” said Nancy Schulman, school nurse. A low grade fever occurs in half the cases according to the Fairfax County Health Department. 

  The norovirus, also known as “winter vomiting disease,” “stomach flu,” or “Norwalk-like virus” can only be spread through direct contact with contaminated objects or people.  This includes vomit or feces and can be spread through airborne particles from vomiting.  Human are the only source that can spread the virus and everyone can be infected by the norovirus.

”Student will get the virus if they have direct contact with a person or surface have it,” Schulman said.  “The best way students can prevent from getting the virus is good hand washing. Students need to make sure they are washing their hands.”

There have been no reports of the norovirus at the school clinic, but an e-mail was sent out to all county nurses explaining the virus. 

”There is a fear of seeing it in schools, so we are going to start tracking it,” said Schulman.  “The virus definitely doesn’t seem to be over running the schools yet, but just because we aren’t seeing it in schools doesn’t mean students aren’t staying home with it.”

There are no long-term effects from the norovirus, except in the very young or elderly and people with low immune system are at greater risk of attracting the disease.

”The recovery process will probably run about 2 or 3 day,” Schulman said.  “To treat the virus drink lots of fluids.”

The norovirus is highly contagious; Fairfax County Health Department recommends staying away from all possible contaminated objects and sick people.