Norovirus, sometimes called the “winter vomiting disease” or “two-bucket disease” — because it causes both vomiting and diarrhea — is on the rise across the nation, even as is taking off and .
and have shown a significant spike in norovirus in the last few weeks, with rates far exceeding those of the past few years.
At least 91 outbreaks were reported the week of Dec. 5, more than double the maximum number of outbreaks reported in the same time frame over the last several years.
What is norovirus and how can you stay protected?
What is norovirus?
Noroviruses have been called “.” They’re a type of highly contagious stomach bug that , along with headache, fever and body aches. It spreads fast and far on. Most people fully recover, but only after days of misery. Because it mutates, people can get sick with a norovirus every year.
Outbreaks can occur at any time, but are .
The virus travels in vomit and diarrhea. It spreads by direct contact with someone who has norovirus, or by touching contaminated surfaces and then putting your fingers in your mouth. Contaminated food or liquids can also spread the virus.
Shellfish, especially oysters and clams, are also known to spread the bug, because they are filter feeders and can flowing into their habitats.
What are norovirus symptoms? How long do they last?
Symptoms begin 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus and last for about 1 to 3 days. Even after recovering, infected individuals can be contagious for two more weeks.
One of the dangers of prolific vomiting and diarrhea is the loss of fluids, which can lead to severe dehydration. This is something to watch out for in children and the elderly in particular — children may not produce tears when crying, or be unusually fussy or sleepy, if they are dehydrated.
There is that is used to treat the disease. Instead, symptoms can be managed with oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte, which can help restore fluids and electrolytes that are lost from the body.
Why is norovirus so hard to kill?
The most reliable way to stop the spread is , especially if you are preparing food, or after using the restroom or changing diapers.
Hand sanitizer is . While that are made of fat and can be broken by alcohol-based sanitizers, norovirus is contained in a . It’s not as easily wiped out by alcohol disinfectants.
Cruises, which , are often associated with norovirus, due to the close quarters and shared facilities, but the virus is . Nursing homes, hospitals, , and preschools can all be sites of an outbreak.
can also reduce the risk of infection. Since norovirus can survive temperatures up to 145°F, .
Even if you have had norovirus before, every year, because there are many different types of the bug, owing to the like norovirus.
Norovirus is notoriously difficult to clean because it can stay on surfaces for . It is important to when disinfecting a contaminated surface, such as one that has been in contact with vomit or diarrhea. Bleach should be left on the area for at least five minutes.
Use disposable paper towels, rather than reusable rags, when cleaning a contaminated surface.
Clothes or bedding used by someone with norovirus should be handled with gloves and .
There’s currently no approved vaccine for norovirus, although Moderna has begun in the U.S. for a vaccine using mRNA technology and aims to test it in 25,000 adults worldwide. worldwide each year.
