Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
- Norovirus cases are rising, with 91 outbreaks in early December alone.
- The virus spreads through direct contact, contaminated surfaces, and shared food.
- Handwashing and proper food handling are key preventive measures against infection.
SALT LAKE CITY — Norovirus — highly contagious stomach flu — is spreading across the U.S. at its highest rate in a decade, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This month, there were 91 outbreaks in the first week of December alone, up from 69 the week before.
The CDC reports that norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting, diarrhea and foodborne illness in the country, and "most outbreaks happen when infected people spread the virus to others through direct contact." The numbers are strongly believed to be an undercount because many jurisdictions do not report norovirus.
Experts told Fortune magazine the surge could be because more people are getting together "for the first time in several years."
The virus can spread after microscopic particles of infected fecal matter are consumed, often after touching a contaminated surface. The illness can further spread through the sharing of food and drinks with someone who is ill, with or without symptoms, by consuming contaminated foods or being in close contact with someone who is infected.
While norovirus most often causes vomiting and diarrhea, it can also lead to fever, headaches and body aches. The Minnesota Department of Health and the Cleveland Clinic add cramping, dehydration, dry mouth, weakness and dizziness to the list of possible symptoms.
Symptoms can come on suddenly.
Norovirus is more common November to April, though it can occur throughout the year. Outbreaks can occur at food events, restaurants, on cruise ships, in congregate settings like jails or long-term care facilities, in schools and elsewhere.
Most people recover on their own in about three days. But not everyone survives.
Children under 5 and adults 85 and older are at greatest risk of severe illness. The CDC reports between 19 million and 21 million norovirus illnesses each year in the U.S., with an average of 900 deaths and nearly 110,000 hospitalizations annually. Most of the 465,000 emergency department visits involve young children.
Dehydration is the biggest risk. Signs include less urination, dry mouth and feeling dizzy when standing. Among children, dehydration may be marked by excessive sleepiness, fussiness or crying with few or no tears.
If someone shows signs of severe dehydration, seek medical care. That's a medical emergency.
Tips to avoid norovirus
- Handwashing is No. 1. Make it a habit to wash your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds or more every time you use the bathroom, change a diaper, shake someone's hand or take care of someone who is ill.
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consuming them and make sure you cook seafood and meat thoroughly.
- Stay home if you have symptoms of gastric distress — including for two days after your last symptoms. And because you can pass on the illness for a couple of weeks after that, keep washing your hands routinely.
- Wash laundry in hot water.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that might be contaminated.
If you become ill, drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. The CDC recommends not taking antibiotics, as they won't treat the virus. Antibiotics treat bacterial infections.
