As Norovirus Cases Rise In The US, Here Are Some Quick Facts About The Disease

Contagious norovirus plaguing US According to recent reports, the highly contagious norovirus has been spreading in many parts of the United States. Data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed cases of norovirus rising this month in the northeastern parts of the US along with its western states. The virus mainly causes vomiting and diarrhea, and anyone can get infected and sick. It is also sometimes called the 'stomach flu' or 'stomach bug', though the illness is not related to the flu caused by influenza virus. Scroll down to read some quick facts.Norovirus symptoms According to the CDC, the most common symptoms of norovirus are diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and stomach pain. Some other symptoms include fever, headache and body aches. Symptoms usually develop 12 to 48 hours after being exposed to norovirus. While most people with the illness get better within 1 to 3 days, they can still spread the virus for a few days after.Acute gastroenteritis Norovirus is also said to cause inflammation of the stomach or intestines, which is called 'acute gastroenteritis'. It can make you feel extremely ill, make you vomit or have diarrhea. It causes dehydration in children, older adults, and people with other illnesses. Dehydration, in turn, can cause additional symptoms like decrease in urination, dry mouth and dizziness.How to prevent norovirus? While it is very contagious, the CDC states that norovirus is preventable. All you have to do is wash your hands well especially when you have used the toilet; before eating or preparing food; before taking medicine or giving it to someone else. Make sure to wash fruits and vegetables well, and clean and sanitise kitchen utensils and counters. Wash clothes well. Immediately remove and wash linens that may have vomit or excreta on them.Transmission of norovirus People become infected when they eat food or drink something that is contaminated by an infected person. One must refrain from sharing utensils or other commodities with a person who has been infected with norovirus. In fact, touching a contaminated surface can also lead to the transmission of the virus.