Written By: Prerna Mittra | Updated : December 31, 2024 3:01 PM IST
Norovirus is a contagious virus that is likely to cause acute gastroenteritis, along with an inflammation of the stomach or intestines. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)
Norovirus cases rising in the US: Data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has shown that cases of norovirus are spiking in many parts of the United States this winter, calling for immediate measures to control the stomach-bug situation. According to news reports citing the surge, the most recent numbers from the CDC show there were as many as 91 outbreaks of norovirus already reported earlier this month, an increase from 69 outbreaks reported in the last week of November this year. The CDC states that norovirus is the leading cause of diarrhea and vomiting, and foodborne illness in the US, which can affect people of all age groups. In order to prevent its spread and from getting infected yourself, proper hand washing is required, along with following other simple hygiene measures.
An Associated Press (AP) report states that while CDC data from the past few years usually showed a maximum of 65 outbreaks reported in the first week of December, this year it was evidently much higher. Norovirus is a contagious virus that is also sometimes called the 'stomach flu' or the 'stomach bug'. It is likely to cause acute gastroenteritis, along with an inflammation of the stomach or intestines, which explains the diarrhea and vomiting situation. An infected person will usually develop common symptoms -- diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain -- roughly 12 to 48 hours after exposure to norovirus, whose other symptoms include fever, body aches, and headache.
As mentioned earlier, anyone can get sick from norovirus infection. One is likely to get exposed to the virus by being in direct contact with a patient, such as caring for them, sharing their food, utensils, or eating meals prepared/handled by them. Drinking liquids contaminated with norovirus, or touching contaminated objects or surfaces and then putting your unwashed and unclean fingers in your mouth can also put you at a severe risk.
It should be noted that every year, approximately 2,500 norovirus outbreaks are reported in the US. Interestingly, while the outbreaks occur all throughout the year, they are more common in the 'colder' months, such as from November to April.
Drinking plenty of fluids and seeking medical care for severe dehydration caused by loss of water from the body can provide relief and reduce the symptoms. Most people with norovirus recover within 1 to 3 days, and there is no specific medicine that they can take. Consult with your healthcare provider if you notice symptoms.
