Stomach ailment reported in 5 Iowa counties

DES MOINES - The Iowa Department of Public Health has received reports of eight medium to large outbreaks of probable norovirus in at least five counties.

Linn County was identified Tuesday as one of five counties where the Iowa Department of Public Health has been investigating eight probable norovirus outbreaks.

Others are Polk, Scott, Kossuth and Black Hawk counties.

Cases also have been reported elsewhere in Iowa, said Ann Garvey, deputy state epidemiologist.

Symptoms of norovirus include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps. The illness usually begins 24 to 48 hours after exposure and lasts one to two days.

The IDPH says three groups of people became ill after eating at a restaurant where several food handlers had also been sick. Outbreaks were also associated with events like holiday parties and holiday potlucks. Medical director Dr. Patricia Quinlisk says if a person has had any stomach illness, he or she should not prepare food of any kind for others until 48 hours have passed since his or her recovery.

There is no treatment for norovirus, other than staying hydrated and rested. One common complication is dehydration that might require hospitalization.

Garvey said the illness differs from influenza, which has respiratory symptoms, such as coughing, sneezing and congestion.

So far, only sporadic cases of the flu have been reported in Iowa, she said.

“We tend to get more (flu) activity when it gets colder,” Garvey said, noting that Iowa's peak could hit in January or February. “I'm sure it's coming.”