Norovirus outbreak: what is it? Symptoms and prevention tips to know

Norovirus Outbreak: Parts of the United States have seen an increase in norovirus outbreaks. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 91 cases of norovirus as of the week of December 5. A significant increase in the number of cases was seen after 69 cases of norovirus were reported last week. Of November. Read this also What is norovirus? Symptoms to watch out for amid outbreak in US

What is norovirus?

According to the official website of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), norovirus is an infectious virus that is responsible for causing vomiting and diarrhea. Also known as stomach flu or stomach bug, norovirus causes inflammation in the intestines or stomach, also known as acute gastroenteritis.

Types of norovirus:

Most people with norovirus recover within 1 or 3 days after falling ill, but they can still carry the virus and spread it. There are many types of norovirus, and so, this explains why people can get norovirus illness multiple times in their lifetime. Infection with one type of norovirus may not protect against another type. Read this also Norovirus outbreak reported in the US: What you need to know about transmission and symptoms

Norovirus: Warning Signs and Symptoms

Within a time period between 12 hours to 48 hours, a person exposed to norovirus may begin to develop symptoms. Early warning signs of norovirus include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, fever, headache and body aches.

According to the CDC’s official website, norovirus can cause severe dehydration. “Increased urination, dry mouth and throat, dizziness when standing, crying with little or no tears and abnormal sleep or irritability are some of the symptoms of severe dehydration.

Norovirus: Prevention Tips

Norovirus can be spread by direct contact with someone infected with the virus, eating food or liquids contaminated with the virus, or touching surfaces with the virus. The CDC shared some precautions to keep in mind to stay safe:

• Wash hands thoroughly before handling food or drinks.
• When cooking shellfish, fruits and vegetables we should wash them thoroughly.
• Contaminated surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
• Laundry should be washed in hot water.
• If infected with norovirus, it is advisable to stay home for two days even after the symptoms stop. Read this also From stomach cramps to vomiting, the top signs and symptoms of norovirus you must know

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.