Immediate Release 12/08/17
Lindsey Manfrin 503-434-7525

Yamhill County Public Health is currently working with Sheridan High School due to a higher than normal number of students and staff absent due to gastrointestinal illness.
We are working with the school and families to collect samples for testing to determine the cause of the illness and providing education and technical assistance to stop the spread of the illness.
At this point in time we do not know the cause of illness however, it appears to be Norovirus or a gastrointestinal illness similar to Norovirus.

Norovirus Facts:
* Norovirus is the most common cause of outbreaks of foodborne disease, and it also spreads readily among household contacts, within schools, and among residents and staff within institutional settings such as long-term-care facilities and schools.
* Alcohol hand gels do not kill the norovirus. For this reason, meticulous washing of hands with soap and water is recommended to prevent spreading the virus.
* Norovirus is present in the feces of infected persons for a couple of days after symptoms resolve. For this reason, public health officials recommend that during an outbreak, affected persons remain home from school or work for 48 hours after symptoms resolve.
* Bleach and some other sanitizing agents can kill the norovirus. This may be indicated for surfaces touched frequently by hands -- especially those of young children --including toys, hand rails, computer keyboards and mice, water fountains, faucets and toilets.
* No one should prepare food for others for 48 hours after any acute illness with vomiting or diarrhea.

If you have any questions or would like further information please call Lindsey Manfrin at Yamhill County Public Health at 503-434-7525.
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