Five counties in Iowa have confirmed outbreaks of Norovirus. Norovirus causes flu like symptoms including nausea, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. The closest outbreak to Washington County is in Linn County. Lynn Fisher from Washington County Public Health says the virus can spread in a variety of ways. The most common way is through food and water. Public Health Officials are urging people to not prepare food for anyone else for at least three days after symptoms have stopped. The virus can spread in other ways as well. Fisher says that family members and co-workers can also catch the virus, so they recommend staying home from work if you feel ill. For more information on Norovirus, contact Washington County Public Health.

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