A gastroenteritis outbreak has been spreading among staff at Parliament this week, with norovirus suspected to be the cause.
Nearly 100 people have fallen ill, but according to Parliament's administrative director, Pertti Rauhio, the epidemic is now subsiding.
Norovirus spreads easily from person to person through droplets, contaminated surfaces or food. Even a small amount of the virus can cause an infection. Symptoms typically include diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and occasionally fever. While unpleasant, the virus does not usually pose a serious risk.
Although norovirus spreads easily, there are ways you can reduce the risk of catching it.
University of Helsinki microbiologist Per Saris shared some tips to keep you healthy:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with plenty of soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
- When you're in the bathroom, use a tissue to lift the toilet lid.
- Flush the toilet with the lid closed. If you don't, you'll create a microbial spray, and the bathroom surfaces will be coated with viruses.
- Don't touch bathroom surfaces with the hand you use for eating.
- Try to avoid putting your fingers in your mouth or biting your nails.
- Keep in mind that the virus can linger on gloves and transfer to your fingers when you remove them.
- Strong disinfectants can kill norovirus, but the virus can withstand low concentrations. Chlorine-based cleaners are effective.
- Cook food thoroughly.
- If you do contract norovirus, stay at home long enough to recover, preferably for a couple of days after the symptoms have eased. Right after the illness, you will still have a significant amount of the virus in your stool.
Norovirus usually clears up within a few days without the need for medical treatment. However, young children and the elderly may get dehydrated, in which case it's important to see a doctor.
It's also a good idea to see a doctor if a fever persists for more than a couple of days, if there is blood in the stool, or if diarrhoea lasts for more than three days. In such cases, it could be an illness other than norovirus.
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