PUTNAM COUNTY, Ga. — The illness that caused more than 50 people to get sick at Rock Eagle 4-H Center in Putnam County turned out to be norovirus, officials say.
According to the Rock Eagle Center's website, thousands of young people annually participate in the Georgia 4-H Environmental Education and Summer Camp Programs there.
Last week, health officials said a few dozen overnight campers reported that they were experiencing nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Camp operators hired a company to come in and clean the facilities over the weekend, so the camp was closed to overnight campers.
While that was being done, health officials sent off samples to be tested. North Central Health District learned Monday from the Georgia Public Health Lab that samples tested positive for norovirus.
NCHD is collecting information through an online survey to help in its investigation. Epidemiologists would like for any person who visited the camp between Monday, June 17, and Friday, June 21 - even if they did not become ill - to complete the survey.
All information submitted will remain confidential. Health officials are hoping this will help them determine what caused the illness.
A spokesperson for Georgia 4-H told 11Alive Tuesday that the facilities have all been cleaned and sanitized and they are glad to resume their normal summer programming.
The NCHD said norovirus, which spreads easily from person to person, is highly contagious and causes diarrhea and vomiting. Symptoms usually appear 12 hours to two days after the initial exposure to it. The symptoms can also lead to dehydration.
The virus also spreads by the following:
- Eating food or drinking liquid contaminated by norovirus.
- Touching surfaces or objects contaminated by norovirus, then putting your hand/fingers near your mouth.
- Having direct contact with someone infected with norovirus, including:
- Handling an ill person’s waste.
- Sharing an ill person’s food or drink.
- Sharing and ill person’s utensils.
Most people recover within a few days.
Here are tips on how to prevent spreading the illness if you are not ill:
- Practice proper hand hygiene. Wash hands with soap and running water before eating, preparing food, etc.
- If you are caring for someone who is sick, make sure to handle and dispose of waste properly.
- Wash laundry thoroughly, especially any soiled clothing or linens that may be contaminated.
- Disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated.
- Handle and prepare food safely.
If you are ill, there are still steps you can take to prevent others from getting sick:
- Stay away from school, work or social activities.
- Wait at least 48 hours after symptoms disappear before returning to your normal schedule.
- If you have severe symptoms, or if symptoms do not disappear within three days, contact your doctor or healthcare provider.
- Do not handle or prepare food for anyone but yourself.