On January 10, evacuees, accompanied by their pets, arrived at the Pasadena Convention Center to seek shelter from the wildfires spreading across the Los Angeles area. Getty Images
After devastating wildfires ravaged Southern California, evacuees seeking refuge at a Pasadena shelter are now battling an outbreak of norovirus. The illness, which affects the stomach and intestines, has been causing widespread sickness among residents at the shelter set up at the Pasadena Convention Center.
The Pasadena Public Health Department confirmed on Friday that three individuals tested positive for norovirus among 28 people who experienced "acute gastrointestinal illness." Norovirus is highly contagious, spreading easily through contaminated surfaces, food, or water, and can lead to stomach cramps, severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. While most individuals recover within a few days, the illness can be more severe for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly or those with weakened immune systems.
Shelter operators are taking the situation seriously. The American Red Cross, which manages the shelter, has been working closely with the Pasadena Public Health Department to control the spread of the virus. In a statement, Stephanie Fox, a spokesperson for the Red Cross, emphasized that the well-being of the shelter residents is their top priority.
"Our health-care workers are available to offer on-site care to anyone feeling sick," Fox said, noting that Kaiser Permanente has set up a health clinic at the shelter, and AltaMed Health Services is also offering medical support. Additionally, the shelter is implementing strict measures to prevent further transmission, including isolating sick individuals and making hand sanitizers readily available throughout the facility.
Despite these efforts, the close quarters and shared spaces in the shelter environment make it challenging to avoid the spread of the virus. Pasadena Public Health acknowledged that illness outbreaks are unfortunately common in such situations. Furthermore, the current year has seen an increase in norovirus cases, with surveillance data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showing higher-than-usual levels of outbreaks across the nation.
In California, norovirus levels are reportedly higher than the national average, with wastewater data from WastewaterSCAN indicating increased activity in the state. As of now, health officials are focused on preventing further outbreaks and providing necessary medical attention to affected residents.
The Red Cross and local health officials are continuing their efforts to control the spread of the virus. Residents who are showing symptoms are kept away from healthy individuals in separate areas of the shelter, and extra hygiene precautions have been put in place, such as frequent restroom cleaning, disinfectant use, and mandatory glove-wearing by volunteers who handle food.
"Thanks to these measures, the spread of illness at the shelter has been kept to a minimum," Fox said.
As California continues to experience higher-than-usual levels of norovirus, health authorities are urging the public to be extra cautious. For now, the focus remains on providing medical care, containing the outbreak, and ensuring the safety and well-being of those affected.
