Norovirus: Rising
Cases of norovirus, commonly known as the “winter vomiting disease,” have been rising in the United States in recent weeks.
- Norovirus is a common and highly contagious virus that causes inflammation in the stomach and intestines, a condition known as gastroenteritis.
- It is also sometimes referred to as the ‘stomach flu’ or the ‘winter vomiting bug’.
- Norovirus outbreaks usually happen seasonally in colder months.
- People of all ages can get infected and sick with norovirus, which spreads very easily and quickly.
- It gets transmitted from an infected person, contaminated food or water, or by touching contaminated surfaces.
- Symptoms:
- Vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramp, nausea, fever, and tiredness.
- In extreme cases, loss of fluids could lead to dehydration.
- Treatment:
- Most people recover completely without treatment.
- No vaccines are currently available to prevent norovirus.
- It is important to maintain hydration in the acute phase.
- In extreme cases, patients have to be administered rehydration fluids intravenously.
