According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, norovirus cases are on the rise in the United States, especially in the Northeast.
Norovirus, also known as the “stomach flu” or “stomach bug,” is a highly contagious virus that spreads through small particles of feces and vomit and is a common virus that causes gastrointestinal symptoms. Various noroviruses can cause illness, but CDC Said.
“Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. Anyone can get infected with norovirus and become sick.” CDC explains.
According to the latest information, CDC dataIn the week ending February 17, more than 12% of tests for the virus came back positive. The previous week, just over 11.5% of tests for the virus came back positive.
Norovirus infection rates are high in the Northeast. In the week ending February 24, more than 16% of tests came back positive. CDC The data shows. The positivity rate in the Northeast has exceeded 13% over the past month.
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What are the symptoms of norovirus?
According to the CDC, norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting, diarrhea, and food poisoning in the United States.
This virus causes acute gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestines.most common symptoms teeth:
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- nausea
- stomach pain
Less common symptoms include:
Symptoms usually begin 12 to 48 hours after contracting the virus, and most people recover within 1 to 3 days. But they can still spread the virus for several days after recovery, the CDC said.
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How is norovirus transmitted?
Anyone can become infected with norovirus. However, this virus is not related to the influenza virus that causes influenza.
“People of all ages can become infected and sick with norovirus, and norovirus spreads very easily and rapidly,” the CDC said.
According to the CDC, you can get the virus if small particles of feces or vomit from someone infected with the virus accidentally enter your mouth. A norovirus infection can release billions of microscopic norovirus particles, but it only takes a few particles to make you sick.
The CDC says you can get norovirus in the following ways:
- Direct contact with someone with norovirus, such as caring for someone with norovirus, sharing food or utensils, or eating food handled by that person.
- Eating food or drinking liquid contaminated with norovirus.
- Touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus and putting unwashed fingers into your mouth.
How is norovirus transmitted?
Norovirus can be spread through contaminated food and water. If a person infected with norovirus touches food with bare hands or places food on a surface that has particles of feces or vomit on it, infection can occur. Additionally, small droplets of vomit from a person infected with norovirus can spread into the air and land on food, potentially spreading the virus.
Additionally, food grown in contaminated water can also lead to the spread of norovirus. Water can become contaminated if a septic tank leaks, if a person with norovirus vomits or defecates in the water, or if the water is not properly treated with enough chlorine.
When can I get infected with norovirus?
The CDC says norovirus infection is most contagious when symptoms are present. An infected person may be contagious for the first few days after recovering from infection, but he may also remain contagious for two weeks or more even after feeling well.
How to prevent the spread of norovirus
The CDC recommends several things to help prevent the spread of illness and infection. norovirusinclude:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. The CDC added that hand sanitizers are not effective against norovirus.
- Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces with bleach
- wash laundry with hot water
- Do not prepare or handle food or care for others when you are sick and for at least 2 days (48 hours) after your symptoms have subsided.
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
- Thoroughly cook oysters and other shellfish to an internal temperature of at least 145°F.
- Clean and disinfect kitchen utensils, counters, and surfaces regularly
Sarah Al Al-Shani covers the latest and trending news for USA TODAY. Please contact us at [email protected]..
