BUTTE COUNTY, CA (MPG) - Butte County Public Health (BCPH) is alerting the community about ongoing norovirus outbreaks at an outdoor environmental camp located in Nevada County. As of May 15, 2025, three separate outbreaks at the camp have impacted elementary school students from Butte County.

Out of an abundance of caution and concern for the health of Butte County students, Butte County Public Health wants to ensure that parents and guardians are informed about the situation so they have the information they need to decide on sending children to upcoming camps.

Butte County Public Health has been informed that the camp has taken measures to lower the risk of spread, such as regular cleaning and separating sick campers from healthy campers.

Laboratory testing has confirmed cases of norovirus among individuals who attended the camp. In total, 36 individuals have reported symptoms consistent with norovirus illness. While specific personal health details cannot be disclosed, Butte County Public Health can confirm that individuals attending the camp have tested positive for the virus.

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. It spreads easily in group settings, especially when proper hand hygiene and sanitation practices are not followed. Symptoms typically last 1 to 3 days, but people can still be contagious for up to 48 hours after symptoms have stopped. Most cases resolve without the need for medical care, but extra caution should be taken by individuals who are immunosuppressed, infants, older adults, or others who are at risk of dehydration.

Key Information for the Community:

BCPH is actively working with local schools following reports of norovirus in students who recently attended the environmental camp.

Illness prevention guidance has been provided to schools in Butte County to help reduce further transmission.

The situation remains under investigation, and Butte County Public Health is coordinating with other local health departments to monitor developments and support response efforts.

Butte County schools with scheduled upcoming visits to the camp have been notified about the reported illnesses, so they can take appropriate precautions.

How to Help Prevent the Spread of Norovirus:

Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before eating or preparing food. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are NOT effective against norovirus.

Stay home when sick — children and adults should remain home until at least 48 hours after symptoms (vomiting or diarrhea) have stopped.

Clean and disinfect surfaces with a bleach-based cleaner, especially after someone has been sick. Norovirus can survive on surfaces for days.

Wash clothing and linens that may have been contaminated with vomit or stool using hot water and detergent.

Avoid preparing food for others while sick and for at least two days after symptoms resolve.

Norovirus is spreading throughout California and can easily be reintroduced to places that were previously cleaned. Butte County Public Health recommends individuals and families continue to take precautions to prevent getting and spreading norovirus throughout their summer activities and events.

For Questions About Norovirus:

For questions about norovirus or to report symptoms, please contact the Butte County Public Health Infectious Disease Control program at 530-552-3929.

For information regarding specific camp programs, please contact the camp directly.

Butte County Public Health remains committed to protecting the health of our community and will continue to monitor the situation closely.