Norovirus Outbreak Sickens 28 at Calif. Shelter Housing L.A. Fire Evacuees

An outbreak of norovirus — the virulent, highly contagious stomach illness — has been reported at one of the shelters housing Los Angeles fire evacuees.

According to CBS News and CNN, at least 28 people at the Pasadena Evacuation Shelter are reported to have the virus, the Pasadena Department of Public Health confirmed.

Norovirus cases are surging in the U.S., with the Centers for Disease Control reporting double the amount of cases as this time last year.

The wildly contagious virus spreads in close quarters such as cruise ships, casinos, and, yes, evacuation centers, because “you can shed billions of norovirus particles that you can’t see without a microscope,” the CDC says. “It only takes a few norovirus particles to make you and other people sick.”

Norovirus causes acute gastroenteritis — an inflammation of the stomach or intestines — which causes diarrhea, stomach pains and vomiting.

“The spread of illness in congregate living situations, including shelters, is unfortunately common given the close quarters and communal spaces,” Pasadena Public Health told CNN, which added that the agency is working with the Red Cross, which oversees the shelter, to manage the outbreak.

Residents that are exhibiting symptoms are removed from the general population — and CNN reported that health officials are adding more handwashing stations, disinfecting bathrooms more frequently and making sure to use cleansers that can kill norovirus.

The CDC recommends washing hands well with soap and water — and that hand sanitizer alone “does not work well” against norovirus.

The shelter is also requiring anyone to handles food to wear gloves, per CNN.

Food has often been the source of norovirus outbreaks: at least 80 people were sickened by oysters at an event in California last December. 

While wildly unpleasant, most people affected with norovirus see their symptoms resolve within a few days, the Mayo Clinic says. Although there is no specific treatment for norovirus, the Mayo Clinic advises staying hydrated, noting that severe cases may require medical intervention for intravenous rehydration.

“Spread of the illness has been minimal,” Stephanie Fox, media relations lead with the American Red Cross national headquarters, told CNN, and said that there are heathcare professionals on site 24-hours a day to help anyone who gets sick. “The health and well-being of residents in our care is a top priority.”

PEOPLE has reached out to the Pasadena Department of Public Health for more information.

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