THUNDER BAY — The highly-contagious norovirus, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea and other symptoms, is once again making its way across Canada at a rate that matches levels reached before the pandemic.
The Public Health Agency of Canada reported recently that norovirus cases have generally increased across the country, and that infections have gone up specifically in several provinces, including Ontario.
Some individuals may also experience stomach pain, cramps, chills, fatigue, headache, muscle aches and low-grade fever, according to Health Canada.
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit reports that the incidence of gastrointestinal illness in the city and area is on par with what was experienced pre-pandemic.
An outbreak caused by norovirus was confirmed last month in a local retirement home.
Since November, the health has confirmed a total of 10 gastrointestinal outbreaks, including the one in the retirement home, one in a section of St. Joseph's Hospital, one in a nursing home and seven in childcare facilities.
The outbreak on 3 South at St. Joseph's Hospital was declared last week, and remained in effect as of Monday, while the newest outbreak was declared Monday afternoon at Bethammi Nursing Home.
Norovirus has not been confirmed as the cause at either site.
A health unit spokesperson noted that testing for the norovirus can sometimes be problematic in institutional settings.
In the broader community, norovirus infections are not typically reportable to public health agencies, but the health unit does do follow-up when there are outbreaks that could be caused by the virus in institutions and daycare centres.
Aside from the retirement home outbreak, "There was no causative agent identified...as specimens are very hard to collect in facilities that could test such as retirement and long-term care homes, and testing is not a requirement in childcare facilities," the health unit said in a statement.
"More often than not, the norovirus agent isn't actually identified in an outbreak situation, but is the suspected cause due to the typical presentation of classic norovirus symptoms, and the high rates within a facility."
Diana Gowanlock, the health unit's acting director of health protection and chief nursing officer, said public health might not necessarily be aware of the actual number of cases in the community, but the frequency of outbreaks can be a good indicator.
"During the pandemic we didn't see as much norovirus, with the restrictions that were in place. There were less people getting together and having large gatherings, so what we're seeing now seems to be back to more normal levels that we would see from year to year," Gowanlock said.
The virus "is definitely not a fun infection to get," she said. "There's no specific treatment for it, but generally most people recover without any complications after a few hours to a few days."
Anyone with symptoms should stay home for 48 hours after symptoms are gone.
The bug can be acquired by touching a surface contaminated by an infected individual, so frequent handwashing or use of an alcohol-based sanitizer is strongly advised.
In addition, public health authorities recommend that high-touch surfaces be sanitized often.
