Everything you need to know about norovirus as cases rise in the United States

Cases of stomach aches are increasing in certain regions of the United States.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 91 norovirus outbreaks were reported during the week of December 5. This is up from 69 outbreaks in the last week of November.

Here's everything you need to know about norovirus as cases of stomach illnesses surge in parts of the United States:

What is norovirus?

Noroviruses are a group of viruses that cause acute gastroenteritis, inflammation of the stomach or intestines. It is the leading cause of vomiting, diarrhea and foodborne illness in the United States.

According to the CDC, approximately 2,500 norovirus outbreaks are reported in the United States each year. Although outbreaks occur throughout the year, they are most common from November to April.

Although it is called stomach flu, it is not really related to the flu. The flu is caused by the influenza virus, which is a respiratory illness.

What are the symptoms of norovirus?

A person typically develops symptoms 12 to 48 hours after exposure to norovirus.

Here are the most common symptoms of norovirus:

Diarrhea

Vomiting

Nausea

Stomach pain

Other symptoms include fever, headache and body aches.

People with norovirus may feel extremely sick and vomit or have diarrhea several times a day. Symptoms can lead to dehydration, especially in young children, the elderly, and people with other illnesses.

Here are the symptoms of dehydration:

Decreased urination

Dry mouth and throat

Feeling dizzy when getting up

Crying with few or no tears

Drowsiness or unusual restlessness

How long do the symptoms last?

Most people usually get better within one to three days, but they can still spread the virus for a few days after they recover.

How to treat norovirus

There is no specific medication to treat norovirus.

Antibiotic medications will not help treat norovirus infections.

You should watch for signs of dehydration and drink plenty of fluids to replace fluid lost due to vomiting and diarrhea. Sports drinks and other beverages without caffeine or alcohol can help with mild dehydration, but oral rehydration fluids that you can get over the counter are the most helpful.

If the sick person becomes severely dehydrated, you will need to see a doctor so that they can be treated.

How is norovirus spread?

Most outbreaks occur when infected people transmit the virus to others through direct contact.

Norovirus can spread very easily. It only takes as few as 10 virus particles to make someone sick, health experts say.

An infected person can still spread norovirus for two weeks or more after they feel better.

The CDC says you can get norovirus in the following ways:

Having direct contact with someone with norovirus, such as caring for them, sharing food or cooking utensils with them, or eating food they have handled.

Eating food or drinking liquids contaminated with norovirus.

Touch contaminated objects or surfaces, then put your unwashed fingers in your mouth.

Norovirus can be detected in your vomit or stool before you even start to feel sick. The virus may also stay in your stool for two weeks or more after you feel better.

Norovirus is the leading cause of contaminated food outbreaks in the United States. According to the CDC, approximately 50% of all foodborne illness outbreaks are caused by norovirus. Most of these outbreaks occur in food service establishments, such as restaurants, when food workers touch ready-to-eat foods with their bare hands before serving them. Foods commonly implicated in norovirus outbreaks include leafy greens, fresh fruit, and shellfish.

It is most commonly spread in healthcare settings, including long-term care facilities and hospitals. More than half of all reported outbreaks in the United States occur in long-term care facilities. The virus can be introduced into healthcare settings by infected patients, staff, visitors or contaminated food. Outbreaks in healthcare settings can last for months. Norovirus illness can be more severe and sometimes even fatal in patients hospitalized or in long-term care facilities.

The virus is also common in schools, daycares, colleges, universities and cruise ships. It is the most common cause of diarrheal illness outbreaks on cruise ships, but norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships represent only 1% of all reported norovirus outbreaks.

How to prevent norovirus

Properly washing your hands and taking other precautions can help prevent the capture and spread of norovirus.

You should wash your hands well and often with soap and water. Wash yourself for at least 20 seconds after using the toilet or changing a diaper, before eating, preparing or handling food, and before giving yourself or someone else medicine .

Hand sanitizer does not work well against norovirus, according to the CDC. You can use hand sanitizers in addition to washing your hands, but don't skip hand washing.

Norovirus can survive temperatures up to 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

The CDC recommends taking the following steps to prevent the spread of norovirus:

Cook the shellfish well and wash the fruits and vegetables.

Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces.

Wash the laundry in hot water.

Stay home if sick for 2 days (48 hours) after symptoms disappear

Norovirus is very contagious, but you can take steps to prevent its spread.

Wash your hands well with soap and water; Hand sanitizer alone does not work well against norovirus.

Do not prepare or handle food or care for others when you are sick.

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