Des Moines, November 21, 2006 - Nearly 1,000 Iowans have gotten ill in the last several weeks due to a variety of viruses called norovirus, that from the Iowa Department of Public Health.  At least seven outbreaks have occurred in a wide variety of settings such as social receptions, long-term care facilities, a gaming facility, business functions, restaurants and schools.

The outbreaks have no common links, but are spread by people failing to wash their hands after going to the bathroom and before preparing food, as well as working in food preparation while ill with vomiting and diarrhea. While norovirus outbreaks can occur throughout the year, it is unusual to see this number of them in a short period of time, prompting concerns that more disease will spread as we go into the holiday season.

Norovirus, of which there are many strains, are a major cause of gastrointestinal illnesses each year. They are generally characterized by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and low-grade fever. While sometimes described as the "stomach flu," noroviruses are not the same as influenza. The illness lasts for a few days and victims usually recover completely with no long-term health effects. If ill, the most important thing to do is to keep drinking fluids. The most common cause of hospitalization in this setting is dehydration.

"Anyone with diarrhea or vomiting in the last few days should not be handling any food items," said Dr. Patricia Quinlisk, Iowa state epidemiologist. "That rule is important no matter if you're cooking for 2 or 200, whether it's a regular family meal or holiday gathering or at a restaurant."