Norovirus Cases Surging in the U.S. — Especially in the Northeast

• Cases of norovirus — which is highly contagious and causes vomiting and diarrhea — are on the rise in the United States
• The Northeast is seeing a steady increase in people testing positive for this disease
• Although symptoms generally go away on their own, young children and older adults may need medical attention

Norovirus cases are on the rise in the United States — especially in the Northeast, where CDC data shows a steady increase in people with the disease.

“Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. Anyone can contract and become ill with norovirus,” the CDC explains.

“Norovirus is sometimes called the ‘stomach flu’ or ‘stomach bug,'” the agency continues. “However, norovirus disease is not related to the flu, which is caused by the influenza virus.”

The way norovirus is transmitted is as unpleasant as the disease itself.

The Northeast is seeing an increase in norovirus cases.

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“You can get norovirus if you accidentally put tiny particles of feces (poop) or vomit in your mouth from a person infected with norovirus,” the CDC says. You can also get norovirus if you drink contaminated water or eat contaminated food; Last December, an outbreak that sickened 241 people was linked to a sushi restaurant.

Because of the way it is transmitted, norovirus spreads easily in close quarters such as schools or cruise ships, where a record 13 norovirus outbreaks were reported last summer before July.

A norovirus outbreak linked to a casino in Louisiana has sickened more than 200 people

The Covid-era recommendation to wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds can help avoid the spread of norovirus, the CDC says.

Hand sanitizer, on the other hand, “doesn’t work well.” The Mayo Clinic echoes this, recommending soap and water instead of alcohol-based sanitizers.

Regular hand washing helps stop the spread of norovirus.

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Symptoms can appear as early as 12 hours after exposure to norovirus and can last up to three days. Norovirus is characterized by vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain, but most symptoms go away on their own, and patients are advised to stay hydrated and use over-the-counter solutions (such as anti-nausea or anti-diarrhea medications) to relieve symptoms.

However, “for some people—especially young children, older adults, and people with other health problems—vomiting and diarrhea can be seriously dehydrating and require medical attention,” the Mayo Clinic says.

No, you shouldn’t make homemade hand sanitizer with vodka – wash your hands instead

Warning signs of dehydration include fatigue and dry mouth. Parents are warned to keep an eye on their children because those “who are dehydrated may cry with little or no tears. They may be unusually sleepy or irritable.”

In these extreme cases, intravenous hydration may be necessary.

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Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education