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What is norovirus? What to know as stomach flu cases rise

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6 days ago

December 31, 2024

What is norovirus? What to know as stomach flu cases rise

The Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention reported double the instances of norovirus in comparison with earlier years in early December after outbreaks have been reported throughout the nation.

Through the week of Dec. 5, the CDC reported 91 instances of norovirus, extra generally generally known as the abdomen flu, which is over double the very best quantity recorded between 2021 and 2024.

The report comes after a Minnesota Division of Well being press launch stating Minnesota noticed double the common quantity instances of abdomen flu in December.

As instances improve, this is what to find out about norovirus.

What’s norovirus?

Norovirus is extra generally generally known as the abdomen flu, and is the main reason for vomiting and diarrhea from irritation of the abdomen and intestines, or gastroenteritis, in keeping with the CDC.

The virus can also be the primary reason for foodborne sickness within the U.S. and causes 58% of the diseases acquired.

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Norovirus not too long ago discovered on cruise ships, at meals occasions

Over 80 individuals at an occasion in Los Angeles had been additionally reported to have been made sick this month after consuming oysters on the Los Angeles Occasions 101 Greatest Eating places occasion, USA TODAY beforehand reported.

Oysters from British Columbia, Canada had been additionally recalled after the U.S. Meals and Drug Administration issued a number of advisories warning people who the shellfish could possibly be contaminated with the virus.

Outbreaks of norovirus have additionally been discovered on a number of cruise ships this month.

Final week, 83 friends and a dozen crew members on a Holland American Line cruise reported being sick on a voyage that departed Fort Lauderdale Dec. 8 and ended Dec. 20. Their principal signs had been vomiting and diarrhea.

The outbreak adopted a separate norovirus outbreaks on Princess Cruises’ Ruby Princess in a voyage that ended Dec. 18 and a cruise on Holland America’s Zuiderdam that ended Dec. 14.

Seniors and kids most affected by norovirus

Whereas anybody can contract the virus, it impacts sure age teams extra severely than others.

People who find themselves extra more likely to go to an outpatient or emergency division division are kids 5 years and youthful or seniors over the age of 85, in keeping with the CDC.

The virus is is chargeable for nearly 1,000,000 pediatric medical care visits, in keeping with the CDC.

What are the signs of norovirus sickness?

The next are signs of norovirus an infection, in keeping with the Minnesota Division of Well being and the Cleveland Clinic:

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Abdomen cramping
Urinating much less or having dark-colored pee
Dry mouth
Feeling weak
Dizziness

Much less frequent signs are:

Low-grade fever or chills
Headache
Muscle aches

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An individual who’s sick and has been contaminated with the virus will usually expertise the signs abruptly.

“The contaminated individual could really feel very sick and vomit usually, generally with out warning, many occasions a day,” in keeping with the division.

Kids with the virus could also be fussy, sleepy all through the day and cry with out tears.

When do norovirus signs seem?

Folks will start to indicate signs between one to 2 days after they have been uncovered to the virus, in keeping with the the Minnesota Division of Well being. However, generally, signs could seem 12 hours after ingesting it.

The sickness will normally final between one to 2 days.

Whereas an individual contaminated with the virus could expertise disagreeable signs, others could also be symptomatic and present no signs in any respect. Nonetheless, they will nonetheless be contagious and move the virus to others.

How does norovirus unfold?

The next are methods an individual can contract the extremely contagious virus, in keeping with the Cleveland Clinic:

Consuming meals or drinks contaminated with the virus
Being in shut contact with an contaminated individual
Touching their mouth or nostril after touching contaminated surfaces

Persons are extra more likely to unfold the virus to individuals with whom they share meals or utensils, or individuals with whom they’ve shut contact or are caring for.

Whereas the virus will be contracted at any time of the yr, it’s mostly unfold from November to April, in keeping with the CDC. Through the years when a brand new pressure of the virus, there are 50% extra instances of the sickness.

What to do you probably have norovirus

Whereas it could be tough, individuals contaminated with the virus ought to nonetheless eat and drink all through the day, in keeping with the Cleveland Clinic.

The CDC advises these sick with the virus to remain hydrated and drink fluids usually. Sports activities drinks, like Gatorade or Physique Armor, may also help with rehydration, however could not replenish vitamins and minerals the best way oral rehydration fluids, like Pedialyte, can.

Don’t take any antibiotics, as they will not deal with the virus, in keeping with the CDC.

The way to cease the unfold of the sickness

The next are solution to stop the unfold of norovirus, in keeping with the CDC:

Keep at house for at the very least two days after signs cease should you’ve been contaminated
Wash fingers usually for at the very least 20 seconds with cleaning soap and water
Washing laundry in sizzling water
Clear and disinfect any contaminated surfaces
Completely clear produce, like vegatables and fruits, and shellfish