Norovirus infections have hit hard in nursing homes recently, but new research suggests a related virus is also causing big problems.
Sapovirus has been identified by health researchers in Oregon: it may be more common than previously thought and it’s on the rise in nursing homes and long-term care centers. A new study shows 66 percent of sapovirus outbreaks occurred in elder care centers.
Like norovirus, sapovirus is highly contagious, and transmitted by an infected person, object or food. The gastrointestinal virus causes diarrhea, vomiting and fever. For the elderly or people with weakened immune systems, it can lead to hospitalization or death.
Read more about sapovirus in Oregon, or learn more about recent norovirus outbreaks in Ashland, Oregon and Everett, Washington.
