With upcoming holidays, and travel associated with them, public health officials are asking people to help prevent the spread of illnesses.
Lewis and Clark County has seen an increase in reported cases of norovirus, with six new confirmed cases alone since October.
It takes only a few virus particles to make someone sick and officials recommend people stay home if they are sick to avoid spreading the disease.
"In those instances where we have children in daycare, it just kind of flies right through," says Environmental Health Specialist, Laurel Riek. "So we want people to keep their children at home when they're sick and for two days after their symptoms resolve. And the same is true for food handlers because it's very easily based through food." Laurel Riek.
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes vomiting which can lead to dehydration, especially in young and older people. Norovirus is sometimes called the stomach flu, however, the virus is different from influenza.
Washing your hands and avoiding touching your face are good ways to limit your exposure to either virus.
