Norovirus Cases Surge in Will County as Holidays Approach

Residents of Will County are facing a rising threat from norovirus, commonly referred to as the “winter vomiting disease.” Silver Cross Hospital, located in New Lenox, has reported a significant uptick in cases, particularly as the holiday season approaches. Over the past week alone, the hospital’s Emergency Department has treated dozens of individuals affected by this highly contagious virus.

According to Gregory Striegel, a family medicine doctor at Silver Cross, norovirus can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, mild fever, and body aches. The virus is especially prevalent during colder months when people gather indoors, making it easier to spread. “Norovirus spreads fast, even before you know you’re sick,” Striegel emphasized in a recent news release.

National Trends and Local Impact

The rise in norovirus cases is not limited to Will County, as national trends indicate an increase in infections since mid-October. The hospital’s alert highlights the risk of transmission in crowded settings such as schools, public transport, and family gatherings. As the holiday season typically sees a surge in social interactions, health officials are concerned about the potential for rapid spread among families and party-goers.

To mitigate the risk of contracting or spreading norovirus, health professionals recommend several preventative measures. These include:

– Washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
– Regularly disinfecting surfaces with a bleach solution, particularly after someone in the household has fallen ill.
– Avoiding the sharing of food or utensils.
– Cooking shellfish thoroughly, as it can carry the virus.

Parents are encouraged to teach young children the importance of hand hygiene, particularly after using the bathroom and before meals. Additionally, children should be reminded not to share food during school or extracurricular activities.

Guidelines for Sick Individuals

If a child or family member becomes ill, Silver Cross Hospital advises that they stay home until at least 48 hours after symptoms have ceased. This precaution helps prevent further spread of the virus. Infected individuals are also encouraged to stay home from school, work, and other public places.

To avoid dehydration, those affected should focus on consuming plenty of fluids, such as water and soup, and opt for bland foods like crackers and toast once vomiting subsides. Resuming social activities or handling food should only occur after the 48-hour symptom-free period.

In light of this surge, health officials are also monitoring other respiratory infections that typically rise during the winter months, including influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19. The Illinois Department of Public Health reported that over 1.5 percent of hospital admissions across the state in early December were attributed to these respiratory illnesses. Notably, there was a significant spike in cases following Thanksgiving, indicating the impact of holiday gatherings on public health.

For individuals experiencing severe symptoms, Silver Cross Hospital recommends visiting an urgent care facility rather than the Emergency Department to minimize wait times and reduce the risk of spreading illness in crowded settings. The hospital operates three urgent care locations, which are accessible with or without an appointment, providing a more efficient option for those in need of care.

As the community navigates this rise in norovirus cases, the emphasis remains on hygiene and responsible social behavior to protect public health during this busy season.