CDC says Norovirus increasing at a high percentage across the United States.
Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. People of all ages can get infected and sick with norovirus. Norovirus is sometimes called the stomach flu or stomach bug. However, norovirus illness is not related to the flu which is caused by influenza virus.
CDC data shows a steady increase in positive tests over the past three months, reaching a national positive test rate a few weeks ago at 17 percent, the highest for the last year.
The CDC warns that outbreaks of norovirus are on the rise in 14 states. According to the CDC, between Aug. 1, 2022 and Jan. 8, 2023, there were 225 norovirus outbreaks reported to the CDC, compared to 172 outbreaks during the same period the previous season.
Most norovirus outbreaks in the United States happen from November to April. In years when there is a new strain of the virus, there can be 50% more norovirus illness.
Each year, on average in the United States, norovirus causes:
– 900 deaths, mostly among adults aged 65 and older- 109,000 hospitalizations- 465,000 emergency department visits, mostly in young children- 2,270,000 outpatient clinic visits annually, mostly in young children
– 19 to 21 million cases of vomiting and diarrhea illnesses
Norovirus spreads easily
People with norovirus illness can shed billions of norovirus particles. And only a few virus particles can make other people sick.
You can get norovirus from:- Having direct contact with an infected person- Consuming contaminated food or water
– Touching contaminated surfaces and then putting your unwashed hands in your mouth
You can get norovirus illness many times in your life because there are many different types of noroviruses. Infection with one type of norovirus may not protect you against other types. It is possible to develop immunity to (protection against) specific types. But, it is not known exactly how long immunity lasts. This may explain why so many people of all ages get infected during norovirus outbreaks. Also, whether you are susceptible to norovirus infection is also determined in part by your genes.
The most common symptoms of norovirus are:- diarrhea- vomiting- nausea- stomach painOther symptoms include:- fever- headache- aches
Norovirus causes inflammation of the stomach or intestines. This is called acute gastroenteritis.
A person usually develops symptoms 12 to 48 hours after being exposed to norovirus. Most people with norovirus illness get better within 1 to 3 days.
If you have norovirus illness, you can feel extremely ill, and vomit or have diarrhea many times a day. This can lead to dehydration, especially in young children, older adults, and people with other illnesses.
Symptoms of dehydration include:- decrease in urination- dry mouth and throat- feeling dizzy when standing up
Children who are dehydrated may cry with few or no tears and be unusually sleepy or fussy.
You can help protect yourself and others from norovirus by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water and following other simple prevention tips.
CDC
Highly contagious virus outbreak, CDC warning – Bachelor on the Cheap
CDC says Norovirus increasing at a high percentage across the United States.
Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. People of all ages can get infected and sick with norovirus. Norovirus is sometimes called the stomach flu or stomach bug. However, norovirus illness is not related to the flu which is caused by influenza virus.
CDC data shows a steady increase in positive tests over the past three months, reaching a national positive test rate a few weeks ago at 17 percent, the highest for the last year.
The CDC warns that outbreaks of norovirus are on the rise in 14 states. According to the CDC, between Aug. 1, 2022 and Jan. 8, 2023, there were 225 norovirus outbreaks reported to the CDC, compared to 172 outbreaks during the same period the previous season.
Most norovirus outbreaks in the United States happen from November to April. In years when there is a new strain of the virus, there can be 50% more norovirus illness.
Each year, on average in the United States, norovirus causes:
– 900 deaths, mostly among adults aged 65 and older- 109,000 hospitalizations- 465,000 emergency department visits, mostly in young children- 2,270,000 outpatient clinic visits annually, mostly in young children
– 19 to 21 million cases of vomiting and diarrhea illnesses
Norovirus spreads easily
People with norovirus illness can shed billions of norovirus particles. And only a few virus particles can make other people sick.
You can get norovirus from:- Having direct contact with an infected person- Consuming contaminated food or water
– Touching contaminated surfaces and then putting your unwashed hands in your mouth
You can get norovirus illness many times in your life because there are many different types of noroviruses. Infection with one type of norovirus may not protect you against other types. It is possible to develop immunity to (protection against) specific types. But, it is not known exactly how long immunity lasts. This may explain why so many people of all ages get infected during norovirus outbreaks. Also, whether you are susceptible to norovirus infection is also determined in part by your genes.
The most common symptoms of norovirus are:- diarrhea- vomiting- nausea- stomach painOther symptoms include:- fever- headache- aches
Norovirus causes inflammation of the stomach or intestines. This is called acute gastroenteritis.
A person usually develops symptoms 12 to 48 hours after being exposed to norovirus. Most people with norovirus illness get better within 1 to 3 days.
If you have norovirus illness, you can feel extremely ill, and vomit or have diarrhea many times a day. This can lead to dehydration, especially in young children, older adults, and people with other illnesses.
Symptoms of dehydration include:- decrease in urination- dry mouth and throat- feeling dizzy when standing up
Children who are dehydrated may cry with few or no tears and be unusually sleepy or fussy.
You can help protect yourself and others from norovirus by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water and following other simple prevention tips.
CDC