Everything you need to know about norovirus as cases rise in the US

Cases of stomach bugs are on the rise in parts of the United States.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 91 norovirus outbreaks were reported during the week of December 5. This is an increase from 69 outbreaks in the last week of November.

Here’s everything you need to know about norovirus as cases of the stomach virus are on the rise in parts of the United States:

What is norovirus?

Noroviruses are a group of viruses that cause acute gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach or intestines. It is the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea and foodborne illness in the United States.

According to the CDC, about 2,500 norovirus outbreaks are reported in the United States each year. While outbreaks occur throughout the year, they are most common from November to April.

Even though it’s called the “stomach flu,” it’s not really related to the flu. The flu is caused by the influenza virus, which is a respiratory illness.

What are the symptoms of norovirus?

A person usually develops symptoms 12 to 48 hours after exposure to norovirus.

Here are the most common symptoms of norovirus:

• Diarrhea

• vomiting

• Nausea

• stomach ache

Other symptoms include fever, headache and body aches.

People with norovirus may feel extremely sick and may vomit or have diarrhea many times a day. Symptoms can lead to dehydration, especially in young children, older adults, and people with other illnesses.

Here are the symptoms of dehydration:

• Decreased urination

• Dry mouth and throat

• Feeling dizzy when standing

• Crying with little or no tears

• Drowsiness or unusual restlessness

How long do the symptoms last?

Most people usually get better within one to three days, but they can still spread the virus for several days after they get better.

How to treat norovirus

There is no specific drug to treat norovirus.

Antibiotics will not help treat norovirus infections.

You should watch for signs of dehydration and drink plenty of fluids to replace fluids lost from vomiting and diarrhea. Sports drinks and other beverages without caffeine or alcohol can help with mild dehydration, but over-the-counter oral rehydration fluids are most helpful.

If the sick person becomes severely dehydrated, you will want to seek medical attention so they can be treated.

How does norovirus spread?

Most outbreaks occur when infected people spread the virus to others through direct contact.

Norovirus can spread very easily. It only takes 10 viral particles to make someone sick, according to health experts.

An infected person can still spread norovirus for two weeks or more after they feel better.

The CDC says you can get norovirus in the following ways:

• Having direct contact with a person with norovirus, such as caring for them, sharing food or eating utensils with them, or eating food they have handled.

• Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus.

• Touching contaminated objects or surfaces and then putting unwashed fingers into the mouth.

Norovirus can be found in vomit or feces even before you start feeling sick. The virus can also remain in your stool for two weeks or more after you feel better.

Norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne outbreaks in the US. According to the CDC, approximately 50% of all foodborne illness outbreaks are caused by norovirus. Most of these outbreaks occur in food service settings, such as restaurants, when food workers touch ready-to-eat food with their bare hands before serving it.
Foods that are commonly implicated in norovirus outbreaks include green leafy vegetables, fresh fruit, and shellfish.

It is most commonly spread in health care facilities, including long-term care facilities and hospitals. More than half of all reported outbreaks in the US occur in long-term care facilities. The virus can be introduced into healthcare facilities by infected patients, staff, visitors or contaminated food. Outbreaks in medical facilities can last for months. Norovirus disease can be more severe and sometimes even fatal in patients in hospitals or long-term care facilities.

The virus also occurs frequently in schools, childcare centers, colleges, universities and cruise ships. It is the most common cause of diarrheal disease outbreaks on cruise ships, but norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships account for only 1% of all reported norovirus outbreaks.

How to prevent norovirus

Washing your hands properly and taking other precautions can help prevent catching and spreading norovirus.

You should wash your hands well and often using soap and water. Wash for at least 20 seconds after using the toilet or changing diapers, before eating, preparing or handling food, and before giving yourself or someone else medicine.

Hand sanitizer does not work well against norovirusAccording to the CDC. You can use hand sanitizers in addition to washing your hands, but don’t skip hand washing.

Noroviruses can survive in temperatures up to 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

The CDC recommends taking the following steps to prevent the spread of norovirus:

• Cook shellfish thoroughly and wash fruits and vegetables.

• Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces.

• Wash clothes in hot water.

• Stay home when you are sick for 2 days (48 hours) after your symptoms stop

• Norovirus is highly contagious, but you can take steps to stop its spread.

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water; Hand sanitizer alone does not work well against norovirus.

• Do not prepare, handle food or care for others when you are sick.