Illnesses Such as Norovirus, Flu, COVID-19, RSV Circulating in Brown County

PHOTO: Courtesy of WLUK

BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Add norovirus to the list of illnesses circulating in Brown County.

The Brown County, De Pere and Oneida Nation health departments said Tuesday that norovirus, COVID-19, influenza and RSV are circulating in the county.

“These illnesses can spread quickly, especially during the colder months when people are more likely to gather indoors, so their increasing numbers at this time are not considered surprising,” Michelle Tipple, Public Health Officer for the Oneida Nation Health Department, said in a news release. “To protect yourself, your family, and the community, our agencies are jointly recommending you take preventive measures.”

Norovirus, colloquially referred to as the “stomach flu,” can cause vomiting and diarrhea. It spreads easily, especially in places where people have close contact with each other, such as schools, workplaces and care facilities. It’s also the most common cause of foodborne illness outbreaks in Wisconsin.

To stop the spread of norovirus, health officials recommend:

• Wash your hands. Use soap and water after using the bathroom, after changing diapers, before preparing foods, and before eating.
• Handle and prepare food safely. Carefully wash fruits and vegetables and cook oysters and other shellfish thoroughly.
• If sick, do not prepare food or take care of others. Wait at least two days after symptoms stop.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces. Use a household bleach solution immediately after someone vomits or has diarrhea. Wash soiled clothes and linens thoroughly.

COVID-19, influenza and RSV are respiratory illnesses. They can cause fever, cough, sore throat and fatigue. In severe cases, they can lead to hospitalization and death.

To stop the spread, health officials recommend:

• Stay home if you are sick.
• Wash your hands and practice good hygiene.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Stay up to date with vaccinations.

Those who become sick and have symptoms persist beyond several days should contact their health care providers, the health departments say.