Local

Possible norovirus outbreak hits Chico emergency shelter

By Phillip Reese

preese@sacbee.com
Robyn Vandervort and her son Ano, 9, evacuated Oroville and take shelter in their car at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds because of a possible failure of the Oroville Dam on Sunday, February 12, 2017 in Chico, Calif. Schools will remain closed through at least Tuesday as residents remain under an evacuation order.
Robyn Vandervort and her son Ano, 9, evacuated Oroville and take shelter in their car at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds because of a possible failure of the Oroville Dam on Sunday, February 12, 2017 in Chico, Calif. Schools will remain closed through at least Tuesday as residents remain under an evacuation order. Paul Kitagaki Jr. pkitagaki@sacbee.com

Butte County officials are investigating a possible norovirus outbreak at a Red Cross emergency shelter in Chico.

About 20 people at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico have exhibited symptoms consistent with norovirus, including five Red Cross workers, said Butte County spokeswoman Casey Hatcher. The Red Cross workers have been taken to local hotels. The ill residents have been isolated from others at the shelter.

About 110 people are staying at the shelter. Many in the shelter are evacuees who do not want to stay below the Oroville Dam.

Norovirus is a highly contagious infection that often causes stomach pain, nausea and diarrhea.

Phillip Reese: 916-321-1137, @PhillipHReese

This story was originally published February 20, 2017 at 10:11 AM with the headline "Possible norovirus outbreak hits Chico emergency shelter."

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