A slew of viruses, including norovirus, COVID-19, and RSV, are giving the common cold a run for its money this winter season, with surges being tracked across the U.S. In what ABC15 describes as a rather unpleasant gift to kick off the new year, norovirus outbreaks have increased, signaling a potential uptick in highly contagious stomach bugs.
According to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control reported by Forbes, norovirus cases have jumped, with projected, rather unpleasant, vomiting, and diarrhea following soon after ingesting contaminated food or drink, or after interacting with sick individuals or contaminated surfaces. These cases peaked in the first week of December, reaching the highest level this year and a nearly three-year high. Laced with staggering numbers, ABC15 reports a jump to 91 outbreaks of norovirus in just one week, up from 69 the week prior—a figure in recent years that generally stood at 65 or less.
Discussing the norovirus, Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and clinical associate professor at George Washington University, told ABC15, "Norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the US." She highlighted the highly contagious nature of the virus and its capacity to cause outbreaks, notably on cruise ships and in other dense communities like schools and daycare centers. Dr. Wen further stated, "It results in over 2.2 million outpatient medical visits, 465,000 emergency department visits and 109,000 hospitalizations."
When it comes to COVID-19 and RSV, which are also part of the viral surge this winter, Dr. Wen's advice remains timely. The symptoms of norovirus include, but are not limited to, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps, often leading to rapid onset of symptoms. Dr. Wen recommends fluids to prevent dehydration and suggests seeing a healthcare professional, especially for those unable to quench their thirst bids for hydration or those who are in high-risk groups.
Furthermore, with no specific treatment for norovirus, and the lack of an available vaccine or targeted antiviral, prevention is pinpointed as key. "People who have symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramping should not be preparing food," Wen advised ABC15. She underscored the importance of hygiene, from thorough handwashing to the careful handling of food. As for general preparation, everyone should wash their hands well, not prepare meals for others while symptomatic, and maintain a sanitized environment to stave off norovirus and other similar gastrointestinal illnesses.
