Health leaders express concern over winter norovirus surge – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

Health officials are warning of a significant increase in norovirus cases across the country, including here in North Texas.

The highly contagious virus has been circulating since the holiday season and has intensified as children return to school and many people return to offices, sending some people to emergency rooms.

Norovirus is a virus that is prevalent every winter. Can be a problem on cruise ships, Spreads are increasing this yearMultiple outbreaks have been reported across the country. The outbreak is Even if it is reported At a shelter in the middle of the Los Angeles wildfires.

Described by many as “the worst stomach ache” they've ever experienced, norovirus causes severe symptoms including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Severe dehydration is often the result of prolonged these symptoms and is a major concern for physicians.

Burleson resident and educator Karen May knows firsthand how debilitating norovirus can be. He first experienced headaches and nausea in mid-December, but his symptoms worsened over the holidays.

“I became extremely ill,” May recalls. “I even remember posting on Facebook at 3 a.m. asking for prayers because I didn't know what was going on. It was really, really bad.”

Unable to withhold food or fluids, May ended up in the emergency room, where she was treated with intravenous fluids and medication. Doctors confirmed he had been infected with norovirus and said he was severely dehydrated.

“They also had a CT scan and it showed that their organs were inflamed. I think they were very angry inside because of everything that had happened,” she said. spoke.

Although her symptoms eventually subsided, the experience caused her to miss the start of the school term. She had been suffering from norovirus for nearly three weeks.

Dr. Joseph Chan, Parkland Health's chief medical officer, recommends seeking medical attention if you cannot withhold fluids for 12 to 24 hours to avoid serious complications from dehydration. It emphasizes the importance.

“One thing people probably don't think about or know about nausea and vomiting is that it's actually a vicious cycle. The more water you lose, the more electrolytes in your bloodstream. It makes you more confused, which causes more nausea and vomiting, and this crazy cycle continues.”

Symptoms of norovirus usually appear quickly and can last up to three days or more. In severe cases like May's, it can last several weeks.

Although the virus often resolves on its own, its contagious nature poses a significant risk to others. Experts say the virus can remain contagious for up to three days after symptoms disappear and can remain in body fluids for up to two weeks.

Also, even if you have been infected with norovirus once, you may be infected again.

“This is different from some respiratory viruses where you have natural immunity or vaccine immunity. You can definitely get infected multiple times,” Dr. Chan said.

Prevention of spread

Washing your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating or touching your face, is the best way to prevent contamination.

“Wash your hands. This is just one of those things. I can't tell you how many times I've said this during the coronavirus pandemic, but in this case it's even more serious,” Dr. Chan said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Hand sanitizer is not effective against norovirus.

“Unfortunately, norovirus is a type of virus that has a slightly hard shell, like an acorn or something, so it's a little bit more resistant to things like hand sanitizer and disinfectants than other viruses.” said the doctor. Chan: “It kind of sticks to surfaces. Primarily where people get this is on contaminated surfaces.”

Norovirus is also relatively resistant to heat and can withstand temperatures as high as 145°F. The rapid steaming process cannot heat food enough to kill norovirus.

The CDC emphasizes that if you are sick or think you are sick, do not prepare, handle, or care for others. Wait at least 2 days after symptoms stop. Officials say this is important if you work in restaurants, schools, day cares, long-term care facilities, or other places that could expose people to norovirus.

As a healthy adult, May said her experience has raised concerns about children and the elderly, who are most susceptible to norovirus.

“Be aware of what's going on in your body and silence your body,” she said. “Take care of yourself, and if you think you're getting any better, take a break. Don't keep trying any harder. It won't help anything.”