What is Norovirus?

  • Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. Anyone can get infected and sick with norovirus. You can get norovirus from:
    • Having direct contact with an infected person
    • Sharing food or eating utensils with an infected person
    • Consuming contaminated food or water
    • Touching contaminated surfaces and then putting your unwashed hands in your mouth

Is this a reportable illness?

  • This is not a reportable illness to CDPH but consult with your school nurse to confirm this diagnosis with parents or the medical provider.
    • Please note: that clusters of cases should be reported to CDPH.
      • For acute gastroenteritis, schools must report 4 or more cases in a single cohort or 10% of the single day census with symptoms.
      • To report a cluster please call (312) 746-6015, email us at SchoolsCD@cityofchicago.org or complete this REDcap Form

What do schools need to do next?

  • Sick Person
    • Cases need to be excluded until diarrhea has ceased for 24 hours (stools are contained in the diaper or when toilet-trained children no longer have accidents using the toilet and when stool frequency becomes no more than 2 stools above that child’s normal frequency for the time the child is in the program, even if the stools remain loose) and may not handle shared food for 48 hours after recovery.
  • No action for close contacts.
  • Immediately clean then disinfect the entire area after someone vomits or has diarrhea.
    • Staff cleaning vomitus/stool spills should wear masks as aerosolization of virus can occur.
    • Cleaning and disinfection with product with EPA label for norovirus or use a bleach solution.