Gastrointestinal illness is commonly caused by norovirus, also known as Norwalk virus and winter vomiting disease. This virus has been linked to a significant increase in gastrointestinal illness. Typical symptoms of infection include vomiting, abdominal pain, and non-bloody diarrhea. Headache or fever may also occur. After exposure, symptoms usually appear 12 to 48 hours later, and recovery usually occurs in 1 to 3 days.
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Dehydration is one of the rare complications that can occur, especially in the young, the elderly, and people with underlying medical conditions. People infected with this virus should take special care with their water intake to avoid dehydration.
- Winter is coming to an end, and the “horrible” vomiting bug norovirus is still out there. Similar to RSV and flu, this seasonal sickness has increased in a number of northern hemisphere nations this winter.
- Last week, more individuals in England were admitted to hospitals due to the stomach ailment than ever before, according to government data. In the United States, the number of cases seems to have decreased recently, although the rates remain high.
Norovirus is still infecting humans, this virus is extremely dangerous
- According to the latest data, in the week ending February 8, 21% of tests in the United States were positive for norovirus. That is a little higher than the percentage from the week ending February 1 (20%), but it is lower than the peak of 26% recorded at the end of December.
The most current data available, 114, was reported in the final week of January by the NoroSTAT system, which tracks confirmed and suspected norovirus outbreaks in 14 states. Despite a decrease from 189 the previous week, this number is still much greater than it has been every year since the system’s inception in 2012. The most outbreaks that may be reported in a single week prior to the 2024–25 season were 107. -
Norovirus is still infecting humans, this virus is extremely dangerous
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High Rates of Seasonal Illnesses
Since the flu and other viruses are at their greatest levels in years, this winter has been particularly harsh for seasonal ailments. This winter, hundreds of thousands of Americans have already had the flu, and it is estimated that tens of thousands of them have died as a result.
Stephen Powis, the nation’s chief medical officer, expressed alarm that the number of patients with norovirus had reached an all-time high, and that hospital workers were working “tirelessly” to treat patients who had contracted the “horrible” virus in addition to other winter ailments.
Winter diseases continue to be a worry for hospitals even though they usually decrease as spring approaches, ending in April and May.
How To Protect Against Norovirus
Norovirus is still infecting humans, this virus is extremely dangerous
- Body pains, fever, nausea, vomiting, and stomach discomfort are some of the symptoms of norovirus, which is often spread by microscopic particles of contaminated feces. Dehydration may result, and hospitalization may be necessary in extreme situations.
- Practicing good hygiene can help ward off the sickness. This entails washing your hands often and refraining from sharing food, beverages, or cutlery with other people, especially if they are ill.
- In a statement, U.K. government epidemiologist Amy Douglas stated that alcohol gels do not eradicate norovirus. “If at all feasible, use bleach-based solutions to disinfect surfaces and wash your hands with warm, soapy water to help prevent the spread of illnesses.”
- Wash any linens or clothing that has been tainted by feces or vomit as soon as you can on a hot cycle. The CDC advises wearing rubber shoes.
