Stomach flu reports increasing across Wyoming

As reports of viral gastroenteritis increase across the state, the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) is asking anyone with stomach flu symptoms to stay home until they feel better.

“We are specifically seeing increased reports in school and restaurant settings,” said Matt Peterson, WDH surveillance epidemiologist.

At this time, the increase in cases has been noted in the northern part of the state and in Laramie County. Symptoms commonly include vomiting, nausea, chills and diarrhea.

“We are encouraging anyone with these symptoms to stay home from work or school and from social events such as graduation parties and weddings until 48 hours have passed since their last bout of vomiting or diarrhea,” Peterson said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, stomach flu spreads easily through consuming contaminated food and drink; touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your own mouth, nose or eyes; or close contact with an infected person, such as sharing food, caring for them while sick or shaking hands.

Contamination may not be obvious.

“We’re usually talking about extremely tiny amounts of poop or vomit we can’t see,” Peterson said.

According to the WDH, gastroenteritis can be caused by rotaviruses, noroviruses, adenoviruses, sapoviruses and astroviruses, along with some bacteria (such as E. coli and salmonella), but noroviruses are most common.

Illness can hit between 12 to 48 hours after a person has been exposed and symptoms can last from one to ten days, depending on which virus caused the illness.

“Gastroenteritis illnesses can be prevented,” Peterson said. “It sounds too simple, but, truly, good hand washing is critical.”

He also recommends staying home from work or school, especially if you are involved in handling food or providing health or child care. Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces immediately after an episode of vomiting or diarrhea with one cup of household bleach per gallon of water (allow the solution to sit for one minute), keep the toilet and surrounding area clean and immediately wash contaminated clothing or linens.

Gastroenteritis is not usually a serious illness, according to the CDC, and most people recover completely without long-term problems. However, diarrhea and vomiting can both cause serious dehydration and loss of minerals, which may need to be treated at a hospital or medical center.

According to Peterson, there is a higher risk for this among infants, young children, immunocompromised persons and persons unable to care for themselves, such as the disabled or elderly.

He also noted there are two licensed rotavirus vaccines available that protect against severe diarrhea from rotavirus infection in infants and young children.

“These vaccines are given to children in their first year of life with other childhood vaccines, but, unfortunately, are not useful against other causes of viral gastroenteritis,” he said.