200 people are currently infected with the Norovirus after visiting a local casino in Louisiana.
WSB-TV reports the viral outbreak began at the L’Auberge Casino and is spreading among the community in Lake Charles. Health officials say the virus is very contagious and can cause symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhea, and vomiting as told by Dr. Lacey Cavanaugh:
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“How it started at this point doesn’t really matter anymore, because now we are getting transmission within the community. So, however, people picked it up in that setting they are now taking it home and spreading it from one family member to another family member to another family member,”
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The Centers for Disease Control says anyone can become infected by the Norovirus and you can catch it from contaminated food or water, touching dirty surfaces and placing your hands in your mouth. It is also the leading cause of foodborne illnesses, but the virus is non-life threatening.
Here are some tips to prevent the infection from spreading:
- Wash your hands often
- Rinse fruits and vegetables
- Cook shellfish thoroughly
- Stay home when sick and for two days after symptoms stop
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