The unexpected way norovirus can spread through your household
abc7.com • • health
Key Points:
- California, including Los Angeles, is experiencing elevated norovirus activity, driven by a highly-contagious subvariant called GII.17, according to wastewater analysis.
- Norovirus and other bacteria like E. coli and salmonella can spread through contaminated laundry, especially if clothes from sick individuals are mixed with others or left in hampers for extended periods.
- Experts recommend separating laundry from sick household members, washing heavily soiled clothes with bleach, drying clothes thoroughly on high heat, and regularly sanitizing hampers to reduce germ transmission.
- Hand hygiene after handling laundry is crucial, as germs can transfer from dirty clothes and hampers to hands, potentially spreading infection.
- Underwear and children's clothing harbor the most germs, so it's advised to wash
