ST.PAUL, Minn. – State health officials are worried. Through the third week of December, more than 40 cases of highly contagious norovirus have been reported in Minnesota — twice the usual number. It can be fatal but usually not. Symptoms are unpleasant: Vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramping, low‐grade fevers or chills, headaches, and muscle aches. Jessica Hancock-Allen, state infectious disease division director, said norovirus usually is food-borne. Her advice:
> Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before preparing foods or eating. Also after using the bathroom or changing diapers. Most hand sanitizers, she said, don’t kill norovirus.
> Do not prepare food for others if you’ve been sick with vomiting or diarrhea for three days Also, dDon’t eat food prepared by someone with vomit or diarrhea.
> Disinfect surfaces with a household bleach immediately after they come in contact with vomit or diarrhea.
> Cook shellfish, oysters, too before eating them.