What you need to know and how to protect yourself – NBC New York

An alarming outbreak in New Jersey is causing concern for health officials as norovirus is spreading rapidly and doctors say it is highly contagious.

This virus, commonly known as gastroenteritis, is a highly contagious virus currently circulating throughout the Garden State. Health officials said 15 norovirus (or norovirus-like) outbreaks were reported across the state in December 2023. One year later, there were 70 such incidents, an increase of 350% from the previous year.

It's not just New Jersey. There is a sudden spike in norovirus cases across the country. This comes as states grapple with rising numbers of influenza, coronavirus and respiratory syncytial virus infections. However, it remains unclear why norovirus spread so strongly and rapidly.

“In New Jersey, like the rest of the country, we're seeing an increase in cases. It's spread by people, so if you're going to point to something, you're going to point to people.” said Dr. Ed Lifshitz. of the state Department of Health.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the disease can be extreme, with symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting. Proper hand washing and keeping food, surfaces and laundry clean are recommended to prevent the spread of the virus.

But there is one thing they have in common that makes them less effective.

“Traditional formulations of hand sanitizer are not very effective against norovirus,” said Don Schaffner, a professor of microbiology at Rutgers University. “What I'm saying is this spike is unusual in recent memory, but remember, we had a global pandemic. We were shut down, so the spread of norovirus was more It became difficult.”

norovirus symptoms

According to the CDC, norovirus symptoms usually begin 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus. These are often sudden and “explosive,” Schaffner said.

Common symptoms of norovirus include:

• diarrhea
• vomiting
• abdominal pain or cramps
• nausea

According to Schaffner, people often experience repeated episodes of vomiting and diarrhea, and these can sometimes occur at the same time.

Although less common, you may experience a low-grade fever or chills, fatigue, and body aches. According to the Cleveland Clinic.

How long does norovirus survive?

Norovirus symptoms usually last one to three days, and most people recover on their own. “People recover from this situation after a few days of being miserable,” Schaffner said.

Is norovirus deadly?

In most cases, norovirus is not life-threatening, and death is rare, especially in the United States, but it can cause serious illness and complications. “Dehydration from fluid loss through vomiting and diarrhea is always a concern,” Schaffner says.

People most at risk for severe disease include young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions such as diabetes or heart disease, Schaffner said.

Signs of dehydration include decreased urination, dry mouth, and dizziness. According to the Mayo Clinic. Children may cry without crying, have dry lips, sunken eyes, and become listless and lethargic. TODAY.com previously reported.

How is norovirus transmitted?

Norovirus is very easily transmitted between people. “This is a highly contagious, highly transmissible virus,” Schaffner said.

When infected, billions of norovirus particles can be shed in the vomit and stool. “It takes a very small number of (particles) to cause an infection,” Schaefer said. If these virus particles accidentally enter the mouth, a person becomes infected.

Norovirus infection can occur through:

• direct contact with the sick person
• sharing food or utensils with someone who is sick
• Ingesting food or drink contaminated with the virus
• Touching a contaminated surface and then touching your mouth
• Inhalation of aerosol from sick person's vomit

According to the CDC, most norovirus outbreaks occur when infected people spread the virus to others through close contact. Common settings where norovirus outbreaks occur include schools, day cares, cruise ships, nursing homes, and health care facilities.

Viral particles can survive for long periods on surfaces such as doorknobs, toilet handles, sinks, and counters, so they are easily spread through indirect contact.

Norovirus is also the leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States, according to the CDC. “Norovirus can contaminate many foods, especially uncooked foods,” Schaffner says. These include raw shellfish, especially oysters and clams, which can be contaminated when filtering and dispensing contaminated water. NBC News previously reported.

How contagious is norovirus?

Norovirus is contagious from the moment symptoms begin until at least a few days after symptoms subside. People infected with norovirus can still shed the virus even after they recover, Schaffner said. According to the CDC, you can still spread norovirus to others for two weeks or more even after your symptoms have improved.

Norovirus particles are durable; difficult to kill Schaffner says that's because of its tough outer shell. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers and cleaners are not very effective against norovirus, so proper hand washing is key to preventing the spread of norovirus.

norovirus treatment

There are no specific antiviral treatments for norovirus, Schaffner said.

Norovirus usually clears up on its own, but rest and supportive care can help manage symptoms. Staying hydrated is important, Schaffner points out. Drinking water, sports drinks, and oral rehydration solutions can help replace fluids lost during diarrhea and vomiting.

Schaffner said high-risk people or those with severe medical conditions may need additional care, such as IV fluids.

Seek medical attention if your norovirus symptoms become severe, persist or worsen after several days, or if you cannot keep down fluids.

How to prevent norovirus

Schaffner said there is no vaccine available for norovirus, but research is underway to develop one.

In the meantime, experts say you can take the following actions to protect yourself and others from norovirus.

• Wash your hands frequently.
• Cook shellfish thoroughly.
• Please stay home if you are sick.
• Avoid cooking for others when you are sick.
• Disinfect contaminated surfaces with a bleach solution.
• Wash soiled bedding and clothing at high temperatures.

caroline key today.com contributed to this report.