London, ON – The Middlesex-London Health Unit has been receiving increased reports of people with symptoms of illness that include diarrhea and vomiting. The viruses that cause these symptoms are known to circulate at this time every year. These germs can spread easily via unwashed hands and also on food, as well as unwashed surfaces and sometimes by just being in the same room as someone who is sick.

"Because the viruses that cause diarrhea and vomiting spread so easily and quickly from person-to-person, it is very important for people who are sick to stay home until they are well,” says Tristan Squire-Smith, Manager of the Infectious Disease Control Team at the Health Unit.

In order to prevent further spread of these viruses, the Health Unit is reminding those who are ill to take the following steps:

• Stay home if you are sick. Individuals with diarrhea and vomiting should not go to work, school, day care or social events. Those who work as food handlers, health care providers or child care workers should stay at home until 48 hours have passed from their last episode of diarrhea or vomiting.
• Do not prepare food for others for at least 48 hours after the last episode of diarrhea and/or vomiting.
• Wash your hands after using the washroom and clean bathrooms frequently.
• To clean up vomit or diarrhea, thoroughly wash the area with detergent and water to remove all debris, then disinfect with a bleach solution made of one part bleach for 10 parts of water (1:10 ratio) if the object being cleaned will tolerate it. Discard or wash all clean-up materials then wash hands thoroughly.

Those who are ill should drink plenty of fluids, but avoid milk and milk products. Consult your health care provider if symptoms do not subside within 24-48 hours, if you have bloody diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, decreased urine production or other health concerns.

Other measures to prevent illness include regular hand washing using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Alternatively, alcohol-based hand sanitizers should contain 70-90% alcohol. Hands should be washed after using the washroom, after changing diapers, after shaking hands and before preparing food.

Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit
519-663-5317 ext. 2469 or 519-617-0570 (cell.)

Spokesperson:
Tristan Squire-Smith, RN, BSc, BA, BScN, MBA, CHE
Manager of the Infectious Disease Control Team, Middlesex-London Health Unit