Cases of norovirus, a stomach bug, are surging in the United States, per data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
There were 91 outbreaks of norovirus reported in the week of Dec. 5 alone. That is up from 69 outbreaks reported in the week of Nov. 28 and 32 in the week of Nov. 21. Additionally, it is also the highest count recorded in the same period in recent years, CDC data showed.
What Is a Norovirus?
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus; this virus is the leading cause of gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It is the most common cause of vomiting, diarrhea, and foodborne illness in the United States. In fact, it is responsible for 19 million to 21 million illnesses and results in 2.2 million outpatient medical visits and 109,000 hospitalizations yearly, according to the CDC.
The infection is characterized by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain or cramps. In some cases, patients may also develop fever, headache, and body aches.
Norovirus typically spreads through direct contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces. It can also be transmitted if a healthy person comes into contact with tiny drops of vomit or fecal matter from an individual infected with norovirus. The symptoms of an infected person may appear within 12 to 48 hours following exposure to the virus.
How Is Norovirus Treated?
There is no medication to treat the virus. There are also no vaccines for norovirus. Individuals who are infected are advised to drink plenty of water and other fluids, such as juice and sports drinks, to prevent dehydration. Children are advised to drink Pedialyte and other electrolyte solutions, especially if they are vomiting and suffering from diarrhea.
That said, most people will recover about one to three days without medical intervention. However, they may remain contagious for up to two weeks after recovery.
How To Prevent a Norovirus Infection?
To keep your family safe from the virus, health experts advise practicing good hand hygiene. This means washing hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers, or caring for someone who is sick.
It is important to note that alcohol-based hand sanitizers are not as effective against the virus as soap and water.
Additionally, it is also recommended to use a bleach-based solution or an EPA-registered disinfectant on contaminated surfaces and high-touch areas such as doorknobs and countertops.
