What is norovirus?What You Need to Know About Diseases Affecting the Cruise Industry – NBC 6 South Florida

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported the highest number of norovirus outbreaks in more than a decade, affecting hundreds of passengers and crew on some of the biggest cruise lines.

In the first six months through June, cruise lines reported 13 separate outbreaks to the CDC. It was the highest number of norovirus outbreaks reported on a cruise ship since 2012.

A total of about 1,700 people were reported to have contracted norovirus on cruise ships between January and June this year.

And this year’s number of cases is the highest since cruise ships resumed operations in the summer of 2021 after being suspended due to the impact of the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

One of the local experts said that one reason is that more people are traveling on cruise ships.

“Hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of people have already taken the cruise without incident. Shiron said. “I think nothing about going on a cruise. I think nothing about taking a cruise or traveling somewhere.”

Celebrity, Royal Caribbean International, Holland America, Princess, P&O and others were included in the inspired Royal Caribbean and Carnival lines.

If you’re planning to sail this summer, here’s everything you need to know about norovirus.

What is norovirus?

According to the CDC, norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting, diarrhea, and food poisoning in the United States.

Nor is it a one-shot virus. There are different types of norovirus, and one type of norovirus may not protect you from other types, so you may get norovirus infections many times in your life.

However, while it is possible to develop protection against certain types, it is unclear exactly how long the protection will last.

This may explain why so many people of all ages become infected during norovirus epidemics.

According to the CDC, your chances of getting a norovirus infection are partly determined by your genes.

How is norovirus transmitted?

Because norovirus can infect people of all ages, it can spread easily and quickly.

The CDC says norovirus can spread through:

• Direct contact with someone with norovirus, such as caring for someone with norovirus, sharing food or utensils, or eating food that person has handled.
• Eating food or drinking liquids contaminated with norovirus.
• Touch a surface or object contaminated with norovirus and put an unwashed finger in your mouth.

You are most contagious when you have the following symptoms: symptoms Norovirus illness, especially the first few days after vomiting and feeling better.

However, studies have shown that you can still transmit norovirus for up to two weeks after you feel better.

according to mayo clinicNorovirus most often spreads in closed and crowded settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, day care centers, schools and cruise ships.

However, it can also spread through contaminated food or water, or through sick people or contaminated surfaces.

What are the symptoms of norovirus?

According to the CDC, the most common symptoms of norovirus are diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain.

However, fever, headache, and body aches may occur.

Symptoms usually last one to three days, and most people recover, according to the Mayo Clinic.

How do you treat norovirus?

There is no specific medicine to treat norovirus disease.

The CDC recommends that if you have norovirus infection, you should drink plenty of fluids to replace fluids lost through vomiting and diarrhea and to prevent dehydration.

Sports drinks and other beverages without caffeine or alcohol can help with mild dehydration, but these drinks may not replace important nutrients and minerals.

It’s important to note that antibiotics are ineffective in treating norovirus infections because they fight bacteria, not viruses.

When was the last norovirus outbreak on a cruise ship?

The norovirus outbreak occurred on the cruise ship Viking Neptune, owned by Swiss-based Viking Cruises, during its voyage from June 6 to June 20, according to the CDC’s latest report.

According to the CDC, 110 of the 838 passengers and nine of the 455 crew members reported feeling sick during the trip.

Vessels spawned so far in 2023 are: Celebrity Summit, New Amsterdam, Grand Princess, Emerald Princess, Enchantment of the Seas, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Constellation, Ruby・Princess, Viking Neptune, Jewel of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, Arcadia.

How can I avoid getting norovirus?

the key is prevent norovirusand most other illnesses, simply wash your hands thoroughly.

Norovirus is highly contagious, but you can take steps to prevent it from spreading.

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially if:

• After using the toilet or changing diapers.
• Before eating, preparing, or handling food.
• Before you give yourself or others the medicine.

It’s important to continue to wash your hands frequently, even after you feel better.

Shillong said cruise lines are trying to keep ships clean and limit some interactions.

“What they are doing is reducing human interaction. For example, when you go to a buffet for breakfast or lunch. said Sharon.

If you see someone on board who has symptoms of norovirus, you will be asked to leave the area and report it to the crew.

Norovirus may be included in vomit and stool (poop) before you become ill. Also, the virus can stay in your poop for more than two weeks after you feel better, during which time norovirus can spread.

Hand sanitizers are not effective against norovirus. You can use hand sanitizer in addition to washing your hands, but hand sanitizer is not a substitute for hand washing.