With norovirus cases surging across the United States, including here in New York, there’s a new health alert to watch out for.
The Centers for Disease Control said the rate of positive norovirus tests in the Northeast has reached nearly 14% in recent weeks. This is the highest number in the United States.
The city health department’s website does not list specific case numbers, but symptoms reported during emergency department visits are tracked. Tens of thousands of New Yorkers have reportedly visited emergency departments with vomiting and diarrhea in the past few months. Data from city health department.
Norovirus is a common, highly contagious stomach virus that can be transmitted through food and person-to-person contact. According to the Ministry of Health, sharing eating utensils, changing diapers, consuming contaminated food or drinks, and touching infected surfaces or objects can lead to infection.
In addition to vomiting and diarrhea, common symptoms include nausea, stomach cramps, fever, chills, pain, and fatigue.
Doctors say the best way to avoid the virus is to wash your hands frequently. Although called gastroenteritis or the “tummy cold,” norovirus is not related to influenza, or the flu.
