An outbreak of norovirus — a virulent, highly contagious stomach disease — has been reported at one of the shelters housing evacuees in Los Angeles.
According to CBS News and CNN, at least 28 people in an evacuation shelter in Pasadena reportedly have the virus, the Pasadena Department of Public Health confirmed.
Norovirus cases are on the rise in the US, with the Centers for Disease Control reporting double the number of cases compared to this time last year.
The wildly contagious virus spreads in close quarters like cruise ships, casinos and, yes, evacuation centers, because “you can shed billions of norovirus particles that you can’t see without a microscope,” the CDC says. “It only takes a few norovirus particles to make you and other people sick.”
People arrive at an evacuation center set up at the Pasadena Convention Center on January 10, 2025.
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Norovirus causes acute gastroenteritis — inflammation of the stomach or intestines — that causes diarrhea, abdominal pain, and vomiting.
“The spread of disease in shared living situations, including shelters, is unfortunately common given the proximity and shared spaces,” Pasadena Public Health told CNN, adding that the agency is working with the Red Cross, which oversees the shelter, to manage the outbreak.
Residents showing symptoms are being removed from the general population — and CNN reported that health officials are adding more hand-washing stations, disinfecting bathrooms more often and using cleaners that can kill norovirus.
The CDC recommends good handwashing with soap and water — and hand sanitizer alone “doesn’t work well” against norovirus.
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A picture of someone washing their hands.
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The shelter also requires everyone handling food to wear gloves, CNN writes.
Food has often been the source of norovirus outbreaks: At least 80 people got sick from oysters at an event in California last December.
Although extremely uncomfortable, the symptoms of most people infected with norovirus go away within a few days, according to the Mayo Clinic. While there is no specific treatment for norovirus, the Mayo Clinic advises staying hydrated, noting that severe cases may require medical intervention for intravenous rehydration.
“The spread of disease has been minimal,” Stephanie Fox, director of media relations at the American Red Cross’ national headquarters, told CNN, adding that health professionals are on the scene 24 hours a day to help anyone who gets sick. “The health and well-being of the residents we care for is a top priority.”
PEOPLE has reached out to the Pasadena Department of Public Health for more information.
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Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education