Norovirus surge in the US: Know all about the surging virus

30 Dec Monday, The US: Norovirus, often referred to as the “stomach flu,” is a contagious virus that causes acute gastroenteritis, leading to inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Recent reports indicate a significant surge in norovirus cases across the United States, raising public health concerns. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), norovirus outbreaks have been reported in parts of the United States this winter. These cases have been rising since early December, with a prominent hike in the number of outbreaks compared to previous years

The CDC reported 91 cases of norovirus during the first week of December which is a significant rise from the 69 cases recorded the week before. Norovirus results in symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps. This stomach flu is one of the leading causes of foodborne illness outbreaks worldwide and is known for its rapid spread. The flu is prominent in crowded environments like schools, cruise ships, hospitals, and nursing homes. The virus is resistant to many cleaning agents and can survive on surfaces for extended periods, making it challenging to eliminate.

Symptoms of Norovirus

The symptoms of norovirus infection start after a time frame of 12 to 48 hours after the contact and can last between one and three days. Symptoms include watery, non-bloody diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and abdominal cramps. Possible additional symptoms are fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. For severely infected patients, dehydration can set in. This usually affects susceptible people such as infants, the elderly, and persons whose immunity is weak.

Diagnosis is usually dependent on clinical symptoms and the setting of an outbreak. Laboratory confirmation, including stool sample tests, may be necessary to show the presence of the virus, but these tests are not commonly needed in routine cases. Treatment for norovirus is mainly symptomatic since there is no specific antiviral treatment. The aim is just to alleviate symptoms and prevent dehydration. Drink lots of fluids, including oral rehydration solutions, to prevent dehydration. Rest is also crucial in the recovery process. OTC drugs may help ease some of the symptoms such as diarrhea, though a health care provider should be consulted first.

Precautions: How to save yourself?

Proper hygiene and sanitation practices play a critical role in preventing norovirus infection. Hand washing, with soap and water, should be practiced after visiting the toilet, changing diapers, or before handling food. Other preventive measures against this infection include keeping surfaces clean and avoiding contact with an infected person during outbreaks. Norovirus is one of the most stubborn challenges for public health, but with good hygiene, its effects can be somewhat curtailed.