Norovirus Cases: Amid the plummeting temperature, there is a spike in Norovirus across the United States. Also, known as the “winter vomiting bug”, norovirus is a highly contagious virus that spreads through contaminated surfaces, food and water, and close contact with infected people.
According to a report by Aljazeera, Norovirus is the cause of 58 percent of food-borne illness in the United States. Reportedly, Norovirus outbreaks are most prevalent between November and April, a period often referred to as “norovirus season”.
A report by NBC, at least 91 outbreaks were reported the week of December 5, more than double the maximum number of outbreaks reported during the same period over the last several years.
What is Norovirus?
Norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea, and foodborne illness in the United States, according to Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The US health authority also revealed that people of all ages can get infected and sick with norovirus.
“It is sometimes called the “stomach flu” or the “stomach bug.” However, norovirus illness is not related to the flu. The flu is caused by the influenza virus. Norovirus causes acute gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach or intestines,” CDC stated.
Most people with norovirus illness get better within 1 to 3 days; but they can still spread the virus for a few days after.
What are the signs and symptoms of norovirus?
A person usually develops symptoms 12 to 48 hours after being exposed to norovirus, as per CDC.
- Most common symptoms: Diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain
- Other symptoms: Fever, headache, and body aches
Who is at risk?
Anyone can get infected and sick with norovirus and people of all ages get infected during norovirus outbreaks, CDC maintains.
How norovirus spreads?
You can get norovirus by:
- Having direct contact with someone with norovirus
- Eating food or drinking liquids
- Touching contaminated objects or surfaces
You can still spread norovirus for 2 weeks or more after you feel better, it stated.
How to prevent norovirus infection?
As norovirus is very contagious, you can control the spread by taking the following measures:
- Wash your hands well and often.
- Cook shellfish thoroughly and wash fruits and vegetables.
- Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces.
- Wash laundry in hot water.
- Stay home when sick for 2 days (48 hours) after symptoms stop.
How norovirus is treated?
Most people infected with norovirus illness get better within 1 to 3 days. According to CDC, there is no specific medicine to treat people with norovirus illness.