Norovirus cases surge in parts of the US

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a significant rise in norovirus cases in the US, with numbers more than double those from previous years. During the week of December 5, the CDC recorded 91 cases of norovirus, a figure that exceeds the highest weekly total reported between 2021 and 2024.

The colder months are traditionally the harbinger of winter illnesses, such as the flu. But norovirus has also become synonymous with the season. This extremely contagious infection causes vomiting and diarrhea and can infect people of all ages, especially the very young and the elderly. But what causes this distressing virus, and how can it be treated?

What is norovirus?

Norovirus, also called the “winter vomiting bug,” is a nasty stomach bug. It’s the most common cause of gastroenteritis.

No relation to the flu

Norovirus is also sometimes referred to as stomach flu, but it is not related to the influenza virus.

Extremely infectious

Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea.

Dehydration

Frequent vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration, the symptoms of which include decrease in urination, dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when standing up.

Danger to kids

Pay special attention to children with norovirus. Youngsters who are dehydrated may cry with few or no tears and be unusually sleepy or fussy.

Stomach problems

Norovirus is an extremely unpleasant and distressing condition, often accompanied by stomach pain.

Feeling ill

Those stricken with norovirus often have a headache and high temperature.

Painful experience

Pain, particularly aching arms and legs, is also indicative of the virus.

Acute gastroenteritis

Pain and discomfort also targets the tummy. Norovirus causes inflammation of the stomach or intestines. This is called acute gastroenteritis.

No safety in crowds

Norovirus is spread easily. You can catch the bug through close contact with an infected person.

Norovirus timeline

A person usually develops symptoms within one to two days of being infected.

Busy environments

Hospitals, nursing homes, child care centers, and schools are typical of the closed and crowded environments the virus feels most at home in.

Holiday bug

And you’re not immune on vacation either. Hostels, hotels, and cruise ships also serve as potential breeding grounds for norovirus.

Surface tension

Touching objects or surfaces contaminated with norovirus and then putting your fingers in your mouth can spread the disease.

Food for thought

Eating food that’s been been prepared or handled by someone with norovirus is another way to catch the virus.

Contamination effect

In fact, norovirus can easily contaminate food and water. It only takes a few particles of the virus to make you sick.

No treatment

There is no specific medicine to treat people with norovirus illness. The infection cannot be stemmed with antibiotics, because it is a virus.

Rehydrating

Combatting the effects of norovirus in the first instance is to drink plenty of liquids to replace fluids lost from vomiting and diarrhea.

Drink plenty of water

Make sure children with norovirus also drink plenty of water. Milk, fruit juice, and tea can also help replenish important nutrients and minerals.

Who’s at risk?

The elderly are most at risk of complications resulting from norovirus, mainly dehydration. Acute renal failure and cardiac issues number among other risk factors.

Symptoms and complications

The very young, those with underlying health conditions, and the immunocompromised are also at greater risk for severe symptoms and complications arising from the virus.

When to see a doctor

Complications among healthy adults are less common. Ordinarily, you should start to feel better in two to three days. But if symptoms persist, it’s time to seek medical advice.

Three-day rule

You’ll need to see a doctor if after three days the vomiting continues and you can’t keep anything down.

Running scared

Likewise, suffering from diarrhea for more than 72 hours indicates a potentially serious problem.

Blood spots

And blood found in vomit or poop should be considered a medical emergency.

Preventing the spread of norovirus

Practicing good hygiene is the key to preventing norovirus taking hold. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet or changing diapers.

Always wash your hands

Similarly, get into the habit of washing your hands before eating, preparing, or handling food.

Handling medication

The same goes before self-medicating or giving someone else medicine.

Clean and disinfect

Clean and disinfect surfaces on a regularly basis—and immediately after someone has vomited, or has diarrhea. Pull on rubber or disposable gloves and use a powerful bleach-based household cleaner. It’s also worth considering wearing a surgical mask whilst doing so. Note that alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus.

Wash laundry thoroughly

Household hygiene extends to washing laundry thoroughly. Clothes and linens soiled with vomit or feces require special attention. Handle carefully and wash at the highest heat setting.

The virus can linger

Be mindful that viruses continue to be shed after symptoms have subsided and shedding can still be detected many weeks after infection. It’s therefore wise to maintain your hygiene regimen.

Source: Norovirus cases surge in parts of the US