It's probably not a good idea for a person to visit the beach when they're sick — just ask all the people that were sickened when someone who had norovirus infected them all, during what should have been a delightful summer trip.
Scientists from Maine have confirmed that the highly contagious virus is responsible for the massive norovirus outbreak at Woods Pond Beach. On Friday, July 20, The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention said it found 97 people who reported experiencing a few days of vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and cramps — typical norovirus symptoms.
The virus is spread through consuming contaminated food, touching a contaminated surface and then touching the mouth, or by having direct contact with someone who's infected, which is what happened at Woods Pond Beach. It spreads more quickly in places where people share close quarters, such as cruise ships, hospitals, and schools, as NBC News notes.
Are You Sick? Don't Go To The Beach
"It's highly contagious, so it would appear that there's a human element there, that somebody had it and was at the beach," Bridgton Town Manager Bob Peabody told the Portland Press Herald. "I think the message is, if you're sick or your children are sick, don't go to the beach."
Water from the pond and public bathroom sinks were tested for E. coli. Results showed the swimming water levels to be within an acceptable limit. That being said, the sink water was the opposite, and as such, the town plans to remove them following concerns. Hand sanitizers have also been installed.
Norovirus
According to the CDC, norovirus is a highly contagious virus, and anyone can get infected. Aside from the above-mentioned symptoms, those sickened might also experience stomach cramps, headache, and body aches. A person usually develops symptoms 12 to 48 hours after first exposure. Most people get better after one to three days.
The CDC recommends for people to practice proper hygienic measures to prevent catching the virus. That includes washing hands thoroughly before eating, handling food, and taking or giving someone else medicine. Sick people must not prepare food for others or provide health care for others while they still have an illness.
Norovirus outbreaks in the United States are fairly common, according to CDC's data. In fact, it is the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea from acute gastroenteritis among people of all ages. It is also the leading cause of foodborne illness in the country, causing 58 percent of all cases.
Most norovirus outbreaks happen from November to April.
