A norovirus outbreak is sweeping across the United States, affecting thousands of people in schools and nursing homes. The highly contagious stomach bug can spread quickly through closed environments like these, leading to widespread outbreaks.
According to health officials, norovirus is usually caused by a viral infection that affects the stomach and intestines. Symptoms include severe vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that norovirus can spread through contaminated food and water, as well as through direct contact with an infected person’s stool or vomit.
Schools are particularly vulnerable to norovirus outbreaks due to the close living quarters of students. Nursing homes also report high rates of infection due to the elderly population’s weakened immune systems.
Health officials are urging caution and reminding people to practice good hygiene, such as frequent hand-washing and proper disposal of trash. They recommend that schools and nursing homes implement strict cleaning and disinfection protocols to prevent outbreaks.
As of now, there is no specific treatment for norovirus, but symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter medications and plenty of fluids.
Source: https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/health/norovirus-stomach-bug-spreading-bathroom-trips/63-1d000a5e-6b68-4460-b65b-fafb26756d93