Freepik
Cases of this disease that affects the stomach are increasing (a lot) and affect millions of people every year. It is extremely contagious, but there are ways to protect yourself.
In the week of December 5, 91 norovirus outbreaks were recorded, compared to 69 in the previous week. In the same period in recent years, generally 65 or fewer outbreaks per week. (It may not seem like much, but it is likely that many more cases will not be registered), highlights .
The doctor Leana Win explains what this virus is that has increased so much, and that affects between 19 and 21 million people each year.
“Norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illnesses in the US,” he says.
“Sometimes also called Norwalk virus or winter vomiting virus, norovirus is a extremely contagious. It is a common cause of disease outbreaks on cruise ships, where More than 90% of diarrheal diseases are attributed to this virus. It also causes outbreaks in schools, day care centers, prisons, and other places where individuals come into contact with others.”
Norovirus can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected person or through contaminated surfaces. If share food, drink or utensils with an infected person, you can catch the virus. You can also get it by touching a surface that an infected person has touched and then touching your own mouth.
The symptoms of norovirus are essentially gastrointestinal — they include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps. Some people may also experience fatigue, low-grade fever, chills, headaches and muscle pain. However, the illness is usually short, lasting one or two days.
“People should contact your doctor if they have specific worrying symptoms, if they are unable to stay hydrated and if they are especially vulnerable to serious illnesses”, highlights the doctor.
To take precautions, the main tip is avoid contact with people with symptoms disease, and thoroughly clean all utensils or surfaces they have touched. It should also always wash your hands before eating. You may have touched a door handle, elevator button, serving spoon, or other surface that was touched by an infected person.
“Also, keep in mind that there are also other diseases of food origin, such as E. coli, salmonella and listeria. There are additional precautions that can also prevent the spread of these diseases”, recalls Wen.
“Don’t drink raw milknor eat raw or undercooked meat. Use an internal thermometer and make sure what you’re cooking reaches the recommended temperature, he explains. “Don’t eat perishable foods that have been left out for more than two hours. Be sure to wash vegetables and fruits well and keep them separate from raw meat.”
