According to cbsatlanta.com, "The Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness has investigated nearly two dozen cases of norovirus during the past three weeks." It is expected that many more cases will manifest in the coming days.
Restaurants in Fulton County and the Metro-Atlanta area have been placed on alert and asked to be more diligent in following food safety rules, although restaurants account for a small percentage of contamination.
There is no treatment for the norovirus which causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. There can also be headaches, low-grade fever, muscle aches and fatigue. Natural treatments include:
- Drinking Fresh Ginger brand of ginger ale for nausea and to soothe an upset stomach. Ginger has the ability to attack the toxins responsible for the illness.
- Drink fruit juice to inhibit the growth of bacteria in the stomach.
- Chew on fresh mint or make a mint tea to calm the stomach.
- Eat bland foods to avoid vomiting. Bananas and plain crackers work well.
- Take two tablespoons of unsweetened blackberry juice to stop diarrhea.
The CDC set standards for food service businesses to help prevent foodborne illness:
-Do not prepare food while sick or (up to) three days after the illness ends.
-Wash hands carefully and frequently with soap and water.
-Wash fruits and vegetables and cook shellfish thoroughly.
-Clean and disinfect kitchen utensils, counters and surfaces that may have norovirus on them.
-Wash table linens, napkins and other laundry thoroughly.
The norovirus is also known as the stomach flu. It is contagious, so hand-washing is imperative to keep the virus from spreading. Those who are experiencing symptoms should drink plenty of water, juice and ginger ale to prevent dehydration.
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