You might have seen them at the Post Office, or maybe taped to the door of the local grocery stores. The notices from Aspen Regional Health reminding Jasperites and visitors to wash their hands are indeed related to the outbreak of Norovirus that occurred on a tour bus in Jasper last month, but there’s no cause for concern, just cleanliness.

“These were put up due to the outbreak and there have been outbreaks all along the line from Vancouver to Jasper,” explained Dr. David Johnson, the medical officer of health for the Aspen Regional Health Authority. While no additional outbreaks have occured in Jasper since 38 bus passengers stopped their tour in its tracks on May 12, Johnson said outbreaks have been happening in other locations along the route followed by tours travelling between the coast and the Rocky Mountains.

“In these cases, that same virus fingerprint has been found,” he said. “Norovirus occurs in outbreaks, and it’s not all that uncommon. We have had about half a dozen small outbreaks in places in Aspen this year. The only thing different about this situation is that it seems to originate along a tour route, and it seemed like it might be possible to find the place from where it disseminated.”

This investigation involves health authorities in B.C., since it seems that Jasper has been on the receiving end of the virus only.

“It’s not originating from here,”  Johnson said.

The public notices are there to remind people that it’s always prudent to be hygienic, and even more so when visitors may be carrying a Norovirus along with their rolling suitcases.

“It’s an annoying virus that’s not life threatening unless you are very young or very old or have a pre-existing medical condition,” Johnson said. “The notices are just about limiting the spread of any virus that may be present.”

For those involved in cleaning rooms, either in hotels or private home accomodations, Johnson has another word of advice — always wear rubber gloves while cleaning bathroom fixtures.