Feeling nauseous? What to know as stomach bug outbreaks hit Florida hard

A recent report from federal health officials says a surge in abdominal pain cases is hitting the nation, with Florida among the states affected.

Some areas, including Florida, have seen an increase in cases of norovirus, a contagious virus that often causes vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and abdominal pain, this year. This virus is often the cause of most diarrhea outbreaks on cruise ships, which is why it is known to people as gastroenteritis, gastroenteritis, or “cruise ship virus.”

There were 91 norovirus outbreaks reported in the United States in the first week of December, up from 69 in the last week of November, according to federal data. The 91 cases are higher than the previous peak of 65 cases reported during the same period in December several years ago, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Most people usually recover from viruses that cause stomach pain within a few days, but getting sick is never fun.

So, how is norovirus transmitted? What are its symptoms? And how do you treat it?

Here’s what you need to know:

How is norovirus transmitted?

• Norovirus is easily transmitted and can make anyone sick, and symptoms usually last one to three days. The virus spreads best in closed, crowded settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, day care centers, schools and cruise ships, according to the Mayo Clinic. Although sometimes known as “stomach flu,” this virus is unrelated to the flu caused by influenza.
• According to the CDC, norovirus can be spread in a number of ways, including eating or drinking contaminated food or drinks, touching an infected surface and then touching your mouth, or direct contact with someone infected with the virus. It is possible.

How is the situation in Florida?

From September 1, 2023 to October 31, 2024, the number of confirmed norovirus outbreaks in Florida This is the second highest number of cases, with 24 cases confirmed. country. California had the highest number of confirmed cases, with 43.

The Miami Herald has reached out to the CDC and is awaiting a response to questions about what is causing the rise in gastroenteritis cases in Florida and other parts of the country.

How common is it?

• According to the CDC, norovirus is the “leading cause of vomiting, diarrhea, and food poisoning in the United States,” with more than 2,500 cases of norovirus reported each year.
• According to the CDC, people can be infected with norovirus year-round, but outbreaks are most common from November to April. Peak season for norovirus is usually from December to March.
• Federal health agencies say the virus causes an average of 19 million to 21 million illnesses in the United States each year. Although most people recover, the virus kills about 900 people a year, most of them adults 65 and older.
• Although the virus has been nicknamed the “cruise ship virus,” norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships actually account for only 1% of all reported norovirus outbreaks, the CDC says. are. In fact, acute gastrointestinal illness is fairly rare on cruise ships, the agency said.

How do I know if I have norovirus or food poisoning?

It can be difficult to determine whether an upset stomach is caused by food poisoning or norovirus. Both can cause explosive diarrhea, but there are a few things to be aware of.

Food poisoning usually occurs within 2 to 6 hours of eating spoiled food. Meanwhile, norovirus symptoms can begin about 24 to 48 hours after infection, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Norovirus symptoms tend to last several days.

What is another difference between a stomach bug and food poisoning? How does it spread?

Food poisoning is caused by bacteria in food that has not been properly prepared or has gone bad. Norovirus, on the other hand, can be transmitted not only by eating or drinking contaminated food or drinks, but also by close direct contact with others who are infected with the virus.

“Let’s say you sit down at a picnic and everyone eats the same thing,” Dr. Donald Ford, chairman of the Cleveland Clinic’s division of family medicine, said in a blog post. “It’s very likely that many people will experience the same symptoms. On the other hand, if you have a stomach illness, you may have been around someone who has had similar symptoms in the past day or two. Yes, it takes several days for symptoms to develop.

Latest information on norovirus in the United States

The CDC has several reporting and surveillance systems in place to help us understand what types of norovirus strains are prevalent in the country and how prevalent they are. The Federal Public Health Agency said:

Norovirus outbreak continues to spread

“The number of norovirus cases reported this year exceeds recent and pre-pandemic years,” the CDC said in an email to the Miami Herald.

A total of 495 suspected and confirmed norovirus infections were reported across the country from Aug. 1 to Dec. 11, an increase of about 36% compared to the same period last year, according to the CDC. It is said that he did.

According to CDC data, norovirus outbreaks began to increase in late November as people gathered for Thanksgiving.

Norovirus was the cause of almost all gastrointestinal illnesses on cruise ships entering the U.S. in 2024

According to the CDC’s Ship Hygiene Program, 16 outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness have been reported on cruise ships this year, five of which were reported in December, and nearly all were found to be caused by norovirus. Of the 16 outbreaks reported, 13 were declared to be caused by norovirus.

What is the treatment for norovirus?

There is no specific treatment to treat this disease, but the CDC recommends drinking plenty of drinks such as water and sports drinks that do not contain caffeine or alcohol, which can cause dehydration.

What’s the best way to reduce your risk of getting sick? Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. While you may still have a closet full of hand sanitizer from the age of COVID-19, keep in mind that hand sanitizer is not effective against norovirus.