MADISON (WKOW) -- Segoe Gardens Assisted Living says it's taking extreme measures by sanitizing door knobs, cleaning handrails and even washing walkers to prevent the spread of norovirus.
"We are very happy that we have not had it," said registered nurse Cindy Becker of Segoe Gardens.
Down the road, a suspected outbreak of the virus at The Jefferson has forced residents into isolation. The senior living facility reports 28 cases in just four days. Officials there say those visiting the facility are being asked to wear masks and gloves to prevent further infection.
"It can be very serious especially among the elderly," said Becker.
Symptoms of norovirus, include vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain. It usually spreads through food, and person to person contact. Health officials say the most important thing you can do to prevent getting norovirus is always wash your hands.
Segoe Gardens has been washing its resident's walkers because the germs tend to go wherever its owner goes.
"That includes bathrooms and back in the kitchen," said a tech at Segoe Gardens.
Public health officials say since the start of the year, 11 suspected outbreaks of norovirus have hit Dane County. Seagoe Gardens is hoping to stay off that list.
The Jefferson Assisted Living Facility had been a polling location for Tuesday's spring election. But as a precaution, officials moved it to Blackhawk Church on Brader Way.
*****
MADISON (WKOW) - An outbreak of norovirus has forced a polling location on the city's west side to close down.
The polling place at The Jefferson, a senior living facility on Old Sauk Road, has moved to the Blackhawk Church on Brader Way.
The Jefferson says it's taking serious measures to prevent further spread of the virus that has infected 28 people there since Saturday, including six staff members.
Sabrina Hall takes a closer look at norovirus and what another local senior living center is doing to prevent its residents from getting sick.
