Norovirus Outbreak Reported at Pasadena Evacuation Shelter Amid L.A. Fire Crisis
An alarming outbreak of norovirus, a highly contagious gastrointestinal illness, has been confirmed in one of the shelters accommodating evacuees from recent fires in Los Angeles.
Recent reports from CBS News and CNN indicate that around 28 individuals at the Pasadena Evacuation Shelter have tested positive for norovirus, as confirmed by local health authorities.
Rising Norovirus Incidents Nationwide
The incidence of norovirus cases has significantly increased across the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that current cases have doubled compared to this period last year. The transmission risk is particularly high in crowded settings such as cruise ships, casinos, and evacuation centers due to the virus’s ability to shed billions of microscopic particles. As stated by the CDC, “Only a few virulent particles are necessary to infect others.”
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Individuals entering an evacuation center at Pasadena Convention Center on January 10, 2025.
AGUSTIN PAULLIER/AFP via Getty Images
Understanding Norovirus Symptoms
Norovirus generally leads to acute gastroenteritis, which manifests through severe stomach inflammation resulting in diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting.
The City of Pasadena’s Public Health Department acknowledged during an interview with CNN that outbreaks are common within shared living spaces like shelters due to limited space and communal facilities. They are currently collaborating with the Red Cross—responsible for shelter operations—to address this public health concern effectively.
When residents show symptoms indicative of norovirus infection, they are promptly isolated from others. Health officials are also enhancing sanitation measures by increasing handwashing stations’ availability, frequently sanitizing restrooms with effective cleaning agents known to eliminate noroviruses.
Best Practices for Preventing Infection
The CDC emphasizes thorough handwashing using soap and water over alcohol-based sanitizers alone since these may not adequately combat norovirus proliferation.
Moreover, shelter guidelines now include mandatory glove usage for anyone involved in food preparation—a critical measure considering foodborne outbreaks linked to noroviruses exemplified by a December incident where oysters sickened more than 80 individuals in California.
Although experiencing infection is notably uncomfortable—individuals usually recover within a few days without specific antiviral treatment—the Mayo Clinic advises maintaining hydration levels diligently. In more severe cases where dehydration occurs rapidly or becomes dangerous, medical intervention involving intravenous fluids may be necessary.
“Thus far,” noted Stephanie Fox from American Red Cross’s media relations team during her communication with CNN,”the illness spread remains limited.” Staffing healthcare professionals around-the-clock helps ensure prompt assistance when needed since resident well-being is paramount during this crisis situation.
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