Norovirus cases are on the rise in the US, with over 90 outbreaks reported in the week ending December 5. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this is the highest number of norovirus outbreaks recorded during the same period in previous years.
The CDC reports that more than 40 outbreaks were detected in Minnesota, significantly higher than usual. In Los Angeles, an event celebrating top restaurants left at least 80 people sick with norovirus, linked to raw oysters.
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus causing viral gastroenteritis and the leading cause of foodborne illness in the US. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea, as well as fever, headaches, and body aches.
The virus spreads through direct contact with an infected person, sharing food or utensils, touching contaminated surfaces or objects, and consuming contaminated foods or liquids. Typically, symptoms appear within 12-48 hours after infection, but resolve quickly in most healthy adults.
There is no specific medication for norovirus, so managing symptoms is the only treatment available. The CDC recommends staying hydrated with electrolyte-rich drinks to prevent severe dehydration in high-risk groups, such as children under 1, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
To prevent infection, washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is essential, especially after using the toilet or handling food. Proper food preparation, including cooking shellfish to at least 145°F, can also reduce the risk of norovirus contamination.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/Health/norovirus-cases-rise-us/story?id=117138204