Cases of a stomach bug are surging in parts of the United States.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 91 outbreaks of norovirus reported during the week of Dec. 5. That’s up from 69 outbreaks the last week of November.
Here’s everything you need to know about norovirus as cases of the stomach bug are surging in parts of the United States:
What is norovirus?
Noroviruses are a group of viruses that cause acute gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach or intestines. It’s the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea, and foodborne illness in the United States
According to the CDC, each year there are about 2,500 reported norovirus outbreaks in the United States. While outbreaks occur throughout the year, they are most common from November to April.
Even though it’s referred to as the “stomach flu” it’s 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 usually 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 ill, and vomit or have diarrhea many times a day. The symptoms can lead to dehydration, especially in young children, older adults, and people with other illnesses.
Here are the symptoms of dehydration:
- Decreased urination
- Dry mouth and throat
- Feeling dizzy when standing up
- Crying with few or no tears
- Unusual sleepiness or fussiness
How long do symptoms last?
Most people usually get better within one to three days, but they can still spread the virus for a few days after getting better.
How to treat norovirus
There is no specific medicine to treat norovirus.
Antibiotic drugs will not help treat norovirus infections.
You should watch for signs of dehydration and drink plenty of liquids to replace fluid lost from vomiting and diarrhea. Sports drinks and other drinks without caffeine or alcohol can help with mild dehydration, but oral rehydration fluids that you can get over the counter are most helpful.
If the ill person becomes severely dehydrated you’ll want to seek medical care so they can be treated.
How does norovirus spread?
Most outbreaks occur when infected people spread the virus to others through direct contact.
Norovirus can spread very easily. It only takes as few as 10 viral particles to make someone ill, according to health experts.
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, like caring for them, sharing food or eating utensils with them, or eating food handled by them.
- Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus.
- Touching contaminated objects or surfaces and then putting your unwashed fingers in your mouth.
Norovirus can be found in your vomit or feces even before you start feeling ill. The virus can also stay in your feces for two weeks or more after you feel better.
Norovirus is the leading cause of outbreaks of contaminated food in the U.S. According to the CDC, about 50% of all outbreaks of food-related illness are caused by norovirus. Most of those outbreaks occur in food service settings, like restaurants, when food workers touch ready-to-eat foods with bare hands before serving them.
Food that is commonly involved in norovirus outbreaks includes leafy greens, fresh fruits, and shellfish.
It’s most commonly spread in healthcare facilities, including long-term care facilities and hospitals. Over half of all outbreaks reported in the U.S. occur in long-term care facilities. The virus is can be introduced to healthcare facilities by infected patients, staff, visitors, or contaminated foods. Outbreaks in healthcare facilities can last months. Norovirus illness can be more severe and occasionally even deadly in patients in hospitals or long-term care facilities.
The virus also frequently occurs in schools, childcare centers, colleges, universities, and cruise ships. It’s the most frequent cause of outbreaks of diarrheal disease on cruise ships, but norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships only account for 1% of all reported norovirus outbreaks.
How to prevent norovirus
Washing your hands properly and taking other precautions can help prevent catching and spreading norovirus.
You should wash your hands well and often using soap and water. Wash for at least 20 seconds after using the toilet or changing diapers, 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 washing your hands.
Noroviruses can survive temperatures as high as 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
The CDC recommends taking the following steps to prevent the spread of norovirus:
- Cook shellfish thoroughly and wash fruits and vegetables.
- Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces.
- Wash laundry in hot water.
- Stay home when sick for 2 days (48 hours) after symptoms stop
- Norovirus is very contagious, but you can take steps to stop it from spreading.
- Wash hands well with soap and water; hand sanitizer alone does not work well against norovirus.
- Do not prepare, handle food, or care for others when you are sick.