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Norovirus The number of cases is increasing this winter in the US, according to data from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
There were 91 of them outbreaks unpleasant stomach bugs reported during the week of December 5th, the latest period data was available, which is up from 69 outbreaks in the last week of November.
CDC said figures exceeded the previous year. “This year, the number of reported norovirus outbreaks has exceeded the numbers we’ve seen recently and in the years before the pandemic,” the agency said.
The highly contagious bug causes sudden vomiting and diarrhea, which can also cause severe dehydration.
While most people will recover within a few days, norovirus causes 900 deaths each year, mostly among adults age 65 and older, according to the CDC data.
The virus causes 465,000 emergency room visits, mostly for young children.
Unfortunately, there’s no quick fix or medication to treat norovirus, so experts say rehydration and plenty of rest are key if you do catch it.
The good news is that there are basic hygiene steps you can take to prevent your chances of catching an infection this winter.
Health officials recommend that you regularly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the toilet or changing a diaper, before eating, preparing or handling food, or before giving yourself or someone else medication.
The CDC warns that hand sanitizer alone does not work well against norovirus.
dr. Leana Wen, former Baltimore health commissioner, advises how people can best protect themselves from norovirus on CBS News Face the nation.
“Wash your hands very well, especially if you go to the buffet. Wash your hands if you touch frequently touched surfaces, before you touch your mouth, before you touch your nose,” Wen said.
“Norovirus is the most common foodborne illness here in the US. It’s very hard to avoid when it’s in your family. And, also, don’t prepare food if you have vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, because you don’t want to spread it to other people.”
The virus is relatively resistant to heat and can survive temperatures up to 145°F, so rapid steaming processes will not heat food enough to kill noroviruses. CDC he says.
And remember that food contaminated with norovirus may look, smell, or taste normal.
If someone in your household contracts norovirus and is unwell, wear disposable gloves when cleaning and wipe the area with paper towels. Throw them in the trash immediately.
Disinfect the area with a chlorine bleach solution and leave it there for five minutes before cleaning the area again for at least five minutes, according to instructions on the CDC website.
When doing laundry, wash items with detergent and hot water on the maximum cycle length available, then tumble dry on the highest temperature.