Calvert County Health officials and a spokesman for a Solomons retirement community confirmed that precautionary tactics are being used to prevent a recent outbreak of Norovirus from spreading.
According to Andrew Applegate of Asbury~Solomons Island, about 10 percent of the development’s population has shown signs of the gastro-intestinal malady. The symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting and stomach pain.
“They’ve exhibited upset stomachs to just not feeling well at all,” said Applegate. “It started last Thursday and we are continuing to monitor it.”
Both Applegate and Calvert County Health Officer Dr. David Rogers have confirmed that stool specimens of some of the individuals affected by the virus have been sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Several Asbury residents who exhibited signs of dehydration were hospitalized.
Asbury~Solomons Island has 300 units—apartments and cottages—along with a 48-bed skilled nursing facility and a 24-unit building for assisted living.
“It [Norovirus] is highly communicable so you have to be incredibly vigilant,” said Applegate. “We’re experiencing what other communities have experienced.”
Rogers confirmed that Norovirus is fairly common and frequently occurs in places where a lot of people congregate, such as cruise ships, schools, daycare centers, hospitals, nursing homes and swimming pools. “We have maybe three or four outbreaks a year,” said Rogers. “It’s generally very mild.”
Applegate reported that Asbury~Solomons officials are stepping up sanitation operations throughout the complex and have modified dining procedures. The community’s dining facility has temporarily closed its salad bar, Applegate said.
The recovery time from the virus is approximately 48 hours. Applegate said Asbury~Solomons residents who have fallen ill with the symptoms of Norovirus should stay confined to their homes for an additional two days.
“It’s an infectious virus, very difficult to control,” sai
