SEBRING, Fla. - Dozens of children who became ill at the Cloverleaf 4-H camp last week were sickened by the Norovirus, state health officials said.
"Water tests, done in an abundance of caution, have come back negative for any illness-causing bacteria," the Florida Department of Health in Highlands County said Monday.
Campers started throwing up on Wednesday, but things became more serious after a child passed out.
In total, 33 kids and three adults were hospitalized.
“Our epidemiology team has notified health departments in the home counties of all campers, and appropriate follow-up will be done,” said Mary Kay Burns, Highlands County Health Officer, in a statement. “Camp officials have already started the process of disinfecting the camp, and re-inspection will be done once cleaning has been completed. We will also provide information on proper hand-washing and food preparation techniques, to help avoid further incidents.”
Norovirus is a highly contagious gastrointestinal illness that is easily transmitted person-to-person, and can spread rapidly in closed environments, such as a summer camp, health officials said. People can become ill by eating or drinking contaminate food or liquids, touching surfaces or objects that are contaminated by the virus and then placing their hand in their mouth, or by direct contact with an infected person.
Norovirus is the most common cause of foodborne-disease outbreaks in the United States, health officials said. The best way to help prevent norovirus is to practice frequent and proper hand-washing and general cleanliness, particularly when preparing or handling food. Norovirus infection causes acute gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines). The most common symptoms are diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain. Most people with norovirus illness get better within 1-to-3 days.
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