Highest levels of norovirus this year detected in Wausau area communities [Video]

WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) – Norovirus levels have reached the highest levels so far this year, according to monitoring data from the Wausau Waterworks Wastewater Treatment Facility.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The city of Wausau has a wastewater treatment facility where this data is collected. This is a different facility than the drinking water facility. There is not norovirus in the drinking water. NewsChannel 7 wants to make this clear distinction due to the number of concerning comments made on social media regarding the same topic last year.

Norovirus is the most likely culprit for stomach bugs or stomach flu, but unlike the actual flu, there’s no vaccine. The data shows people are shedding the virus in their stool. And while it’s hard to quantify the number of people affected, the Marathon County Health Department said it’s a wake-up call to be vigilant about handwashing especially as we approach holiday gatherings.

Dale Grosskurth …