Arizona health officials warn public about Norovirus

health doctor


Photographer: ABC15
Copyright 2010 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Advertisement

Posted: 04/09/2012

TUCSON, AZ - Seven clusters of Norovirus found in assisted-living homes for seniors have authorities in southern Arizona warning the public about the sometimes fatal flu-like illness.

The Pima County Health Department is warning the public to be vigilant about washing their hands, keeping common areas disinfected and staying home if they're sick.

Extra caution should be used around the elderly and children, who are more susceptible to Norovirus.

The department is investigating seven clusters of the virus found in assisted-living facilities in the area.

They say Norovirus is not uncommon in such homes but that it's rare to see so many different clusters at the same time.

The department says that Norovirus is highly contagious and can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps. The elderly, infants and people with other medical conditions can suffer more serious symptoms, including death.

Associated Press

  • Comments
advertisement

RIGHT NOW on ABC15.com


  1. PD: Vehicle that hit officer located

    PD: Vehicle that hit officer located

    Police say they are now working to identify the driver of the vehicle that struck and killed Officer Daryl Raetz early Sunday morning.

  2. I-17 reopens after police situation

    I-17 reopens after police situation

    The Department of Public Safety says one person has been taken into custody after apparently threatening to jump off the Northern Avenue overpass.

  3. NOW: Billboard Music Awards

    NOW: Billboard Music Awards

    They battle it out weekly on the Billboard charts, and now they're competing at the Billboard Music Awards.

  4. ABC15 exclusive: Cards' Carson Palmer

    ABC15 exclusive: Cards' Carson Palmer

    “There’s a handful of teams that win with defense, but a lot of teams, the teams that win, are the teams that are aggressive.”

  5. Two $1M Powerball tickets sold in AZ

    Two $1M Powerball tickets sold in AZ

    While Arizona can't claim the $590.5 million Powerball winner, two $1 million second prize winning tickets were sold here in the state.

  6. Last Chance! Win iPad Mini from ABC15

    Last Chance! Win iPad Mini from ABC15

    You're just 15 Facebook likes from having a chance at one of 15 iPad minis!

  7. Tornadoes touch down in Kansas, Okla.

    Tornadoes touch down in Kansas, Okla.

    A confirmed tornado was seen near Edmond, Oklahoma, moving east at about 30 miles per hour, said the weather service.

  8. PHX firefighter dies after accident

    PHX firefighter dies after accident

    Brad Harper died after being pinned between two vehicles while working to extinguish a fire.

  9. 22-year-old shot by Tucson police

    22-year-old shot by Tucson police

    A 22-year-old was fatally shot by Tucson police after he removed a handgun from his waistband.

  10. Got what it takes for the Spelling Bee?

    Got what it takes for the Spelling Bee?

    You can test your spelling chops with this quiz, which will judge whether you would have progressed to the preliminaries in the 2013 Scripps National Spelling Bee, set to begin on May 28.