Highly Contagious Norovirus Spreads in the U.S.
[ad_1]
Cases of infection with norovirus — a highly contagious germ that causes severe vomiting and diarrhea — are increasing across the country.
It’s not unusual to see a surge in norovirus cases in February. The CDC calls December through March the peak of the season. Still, the numbers are an improvement over last February, when the nationwide positive test rate for norovirus was about 15 percent. Annually, norovirus causes 19 to 21 million cases of acute gastroenteritis in the United States, and this season is expected to be no different.
Although norovirus is sometimes referred to as “stomach flu,” health authorities stress that the virus is not related to influenza.
Norovirus Causes Gut-Wrenching Illness
“This is the time of year for norovirus,” says Stuart C. Ray, MD, a professor in the division of infectious diseases at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore. “When I was a medical student almost 40 years ago, it was sometimes called the ‘winter vomiting illness.’”
As with the flu, norovirus quickly spreads in the winter months when people spend more time in close contact indoors.
Because those infected may have vomiting and diarrhea several times a day, dehydration is a risk, especially in young children, older adults, and people with other illnesses.
“There’s no specific treatment for norovirus infection,” says Dr. Ray. “Just stay hydrated. Oral rehydration mixes [solutions of salt, sugar, and water] are effective. Significantly dehydrated people should seek medical care.”
Norovirus Spreads Easily in Group Settings
Health officials note that outbreaks of norovirus are common in certain settings where large groups gather or live, such as schools, day care facilities, and nursing homes.
How to Avoid Catching Norovirus
People can easily get the bug by touching items such as doorknobs, keyboards, and counters, and then putting their fingers to their mouth. The germs may also spread directly from an infected person, or from eating or drinking something contaminated with norovirus. In fact, cases of norovirus are frequently referred to as “food poisoning.”
Ray mentions that thoroughly cooked foods tend to be safer but “even steaming doesn’t inactivate norovirus reliably.”
Handwashing is one of the best ways to lower your risk of contracting the norovirus. The CDC advises washing your hands carefully with soap and water, especially after using the toilet, changing a diaper, taking medicine, and before eating, preparing, or handling food. If you do get sick, stay away from others to help limit the spread.
“Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can help, but they are not as effective as soap and water,” says Robert H. Hopkins Jr., MD, the medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases. “If you or someone in your household does get sick with norovirus, be sure to clean and disinfect surfaces.”
[ad_2]
