Norovirus Spreads in California Watch for Signs: Norovirus cases are on the rise in California, prompting concerns among residents about the highly contagious stomach virus. While the Bay Area has seen a decline in COVID-19 and flu cases, norovirus is spreading rapidly across the U.S., particularly in the West region where 12.8% of laboratory tests are positive, the highest since June. The Northeast follows closely at 13.9%, with the Midwest at 10% and the South at 9.5%.
What is Norovirus: Commonly Known as Stomach Flu
Often referred to as the “stomach flu” or “food poisoning,” norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting, diarrhea, and foodborne illness, according to the California Department of Public Health. The recent surge in cases coincides with a recent incident involving a luxury cruise ship in San Francisco, where over 150 people reported symptoms resembling norovirus.
Norovirus: Causes of Norovirus Transmission
The virus spreads through personal contact with an infected person or by consuming contaminated food and drinks. Outbreaks typically occur in closed and crowded spaces like hospitals, schools, camps, and cruise ships. Norovirus outbreaks peak between November and April in the U.S., with a 50% increase in cases during years with new strains.
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Norovirus: Impact on our body
Norovirus infections can be severe, leading to 900 deaths annually, mostly among adults over 65, with 109,000 hospitalizations and 465,000 emergency visits. Outpatient clinic visits total 2,270,000, contributing to 19-21 million reported cases each year. There is no specific treatment for norovirus, and symptoms can last for days, but experts recommend rest and staying hydrated.
Preventive Measures for Norovirus:
- Wash your hands well: Use soap and water, as hand sanitizers don’t work effectively against norovirus.
- Clean your fruits, veggies, and shellfish: Be thorough when washing fruits and vegetables. Also, make sure to cook shellfish all the way through.
- Stay home if you’re sick: If you’re feeling unwell, stay at home. Keep to yourself and avoid group activities for at least two days after you start feeling better.
- Don’t handle food when sick: If you have norovirus or diarrhea, don’t prepare food or care for others.
- Use bleach to clean: Quickly clean and disinfect surfaces or objects that might have norovirus with a bleach solution — it’s effective in getting rid of the virus.
