Several stomach flu outbreaks in Grant County.

EPHRATA – Each winter, Grant County experiences an increase in the number residents becoming sick with fever, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.

This illness, often referred to as stomach flu, is usually caused by norovirus. Since November there have been several outbreaks in Grant County.

According to Grant County Health District's Theresa Adkison, Norovirus spreads from person to person very easily, in many cases sickening entire households, daycare centers, schools and especially nursing homes.

“If you become sick with a stomach virus, it is important to stay home, stay away from healthy family members, clean bathroom and surfaces after use, flush the toilet with the lid down, drink plenty of fluids, don’t prepare food for others, and wash your hands often,” Adkison said.

Symptoms of norovirus-like sickness usually include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Those infected become sick 24-48 hours after swallowing the virus. The sickness is usually brief, lasting only one to three days.

The virus is most commonly spread by eating contaminated foods or liquids, touching contaminated surfaces or objects and then placing hands in mouth, or having direct contact with a person who is sick and showing symptoms.

If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact or call Grant County Health District's Moses Lake Office at 509-766-7960.