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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.
Throughout 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 best quantity recorded between 2021 and 2024.
The report comes after a Minnesota Division of Well being press launch stating Minnesota noticed double the typical quantity instances of abdomen flu in December.
As instances improve, here is what to find out about norovirus.
What’s norovirus?
Norovirus is extra generally generally known as the abdomen flu, and is the main explanation for vomiting and diarrhea from irritation of the abdomen and intestines, or gastroenteritis, in line with the CDC.
The virus can be the primary explanation for foodborne sickness within the U.S. and causes 58% of the diseases acquired.
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Norovirus just lately discovered on cruise ships, at meals occasions
Over 80 folks at an occasion in Los Angeles had been additionally reported to have been made sick this month after consuming oysters on the Los Angeles Instances 101 Finest 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 folks that the shellfish might 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 unwell on a voyage that departed Fort Lauderdale Dec. 8 and ended Dec. 20. Their foremost 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 youngsters 5 years and youthful or seniors over the age of 85, in line with the CDC.
The virus is is accountable for virtually one million pediatric medical care visits, in line with the CDC.
What are the signs of norovirus sickness?
The next are signs of norovirus an infection, in line 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 sometimes expertise the signs all of the sudden.
“The contaminated individual could really feel very sick and vomit usually, typically with out warning, many instances a day,” in line with the division.
Youngsters 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 line with the the Minnesota Division of Well being. However, typically, signs could seem 12 hours after ingesting it.
The sickness will often 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. Nevertheless, they’ll nonetheless be contagious and go the virus to others.
How does norovirus unfold?
The next are methods an individual can contract the extremely contagious virus, in line 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
Individuals are extra more likely to unfold the virus to folks with whom they share meals or utensils, or folks 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 line with the CDC. Throughout 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 might be troublesome, folks contaminated with the virus ought to nonetheless eat and drink all through the day, in line 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, might 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 line with the CDC.
The best way to cease the unfold of the sickness
The next are method to stop the unfold of norovirus, in line with the CDC:
- Keep at residence for at the very least two days after signs cease when you’ve been contaminated
- Wash palms usually for at the very least 20 seconds with cleaning soap and water
- Washing laundry in sizzling water
- Clear and disinfect any contaminated surfaces
- Totally clear produce, like vegatables and fruits, and shellfish
Make sure that to all the time wash your palms after doing the next:
- Touching frequent surfaces, like elevator buttons or door handles.
- Shaking palms with one other individual
- Caring for a sick individual
- Altering diapers
Contributing: Saleen Martin, Fernando Cervantes Jr. and Nathan Diller; USA TODAY
Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. You may join together with her on LinkedIn, comply with her on X, previously generally known as Twitter, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or e-mail her at [email protected]
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