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"We had a suspected case of norovirus come in through our Emergency Department on Feb. 14, said John R. Nelson, Director of Public and Community Affairs for Health Quest.
The center reported the case to the state Department of Health as they routinely do and sent it for testing to get confirmed, Nelson said.
"It was confirmed as a norovirus this morning," he added.
Symptoms of norovirus include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. According to the Center for Disease Control website, most people recover within one or two days.
The virus is spread from person to person, or from contaminated food and water. Anyone experiencing the symptoms should stay home from work and school. Although there is no "medicine" for the virus, it can be prevented by washing hands after using the bathroom and before handling food.
The hospital said the DOH informed them that there has been an uptick of gastroenteritis and norovirus cases throughout the greater community.
" With their assistance we are following all recommended infection control steps and, as always, putting the safety of our patients and employees above all else," Nelson said.
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