Sure areas of the US are seeing spikes in instances of norovirus, a extremely contagious abdomen bug, well being consultants stated.
The Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention reported 91 outbreaks of norovirus in the course of the week of Dec. 5, up 32 % from the final week of November and the best recorded variety of outbreaks for this time interval in additional than a decade.
Since Dec. 21, instances are rising in most areas of the nation, besides the Northeast, in line with CDC knowledge. The Midwest and South areas have the best spikes in instances.
“We want to make sure people are aware of this increase in norovirus outbreaks and are taking steps to prevent spreading illness to family or friends,” stated Jessica Hancock-Allen, infectious illness division director on the Minnesota Division of Well being.
What’s norovirus?
Noroviruses, also referred to as meals poisoning or the abdomen bug, are “ common and highly contagious,” in line with the Nationwide Basis for Infectious Ailments. About 1 in 15 individuals throughout the U.S. get the virus yearly, consultants stated.
Most typical signs of the virus are diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and abdomen cramps, however fever, headache and physique aches are additionally signs, in line with the CDC.
Easy methods to keep away from it
As a result of the virus is very contagious, outbreaks are sometimes reported in neighborhood settings like health-care services, eating places, colleges, childcare facilities and cruise ships, the Nationwide Basis for Infectious Ailments stated.
Keep away from sickness by washing your palms correctly earlier than utilizing the lavatory, consuming or dealing with meals and earlier than giving or taking medicine, well being consultants stated. Uncooked oysters and shellfish additionally comprise micro organism that may trigger norovirus.
If an individual contracts the norovirus, be sure they drink loads of liquids to keep away from dehydration, well being consultants say. There are not any antibiotics to struggle the sickness. A norovirus case often lasts one to 3 days.