Mesa County Public Health (MCPH) continues to provide community updates on the stomach bug that is spreading through our community. The primary symptoms reported are vomiting, some diarrhea, and some fever. We think that there is a combination of norovirus and influenza circulating in the community. If you or your child is sick, and you have questions about the symptoms or illness, you should contact a health care provider.
Latest Information
As of 11:30 a.m. on Friday, November 22:
- There is a confirmed norovirus outbreak affecting a long-term care facility in our community. Three hospitalizations related to this facility’s outbreak have been reported.
- MCPH is aware of increased illness in at least five child care facilities and one other business.
- All of the schools in District 51 are currently closed. Prior to this closure (made on 11/20/19), we were made aware of at least thirteen schools experiencing increased levels of student absenteeism due to illness.
Public Vomiting Reporting Line
A public vomiting reporting line has been set up for community members to report public vomiting incidents that occur in public places within Mesa County.
If you witness or experience a public vomiting event, please call 970-462-7074. You can also report the incident online here and in Spanish here.
Public Health Recommendations to Prevent the Spread of Illness
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub when soap and water are not readily available.
- Know the signs and symptoms of illness such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- If you have been sick with this illness, stay home and remain home for at least 24 hours after symptoms have ended.
- If you think you’ve been exposed to the virus through clean up or contact, consider limiting interaction with others for at least 24 hours.
- Consider getting a flu shot.
To read more about the difference between influenza and gastrointestinal illnesses, like norovirus, click here.
