The recent outbreak of norovirus in the Northeast has health officials urging caution and vigilance among the public. Norovirus, a highly contagious virus that causes stomach flu-like symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps, has been spreading rapidly in the region. Health officials are warning individuals to take necessary precautions to prevent further spread of the virus.
Proper hand hygiene, such as frequent handwashing with soap and water, is crucial in preventing norovirus transmission. Additionally, individuals should avoid close contact with those who are sick and disinfect commonly touched surfaces regularly. It is also important for those who are experiencing symptoms of norovirus to stay home from work or school to prevent spreading the illness to others.
The region has been seeing over 13% of norovirus tests come back positive, on average, since late January, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That’s a higher share than in any other part of the U.S. right now, but lower than the region’s rate at this time last year.
Norovirus is somewhat seasonal — cases occur most frequently in cold months (late fall, winter and early spring). Nationally, norovirus positivity rates have been hovering between 10% and 12.5% since early January. By comparison, last year’s peak rates exceeded 16% in mid-March.
According to the CDC, every year, norovirus is responsible for inducing 19 to 21 million instances of vomiting and diarrhea in the United States, resulting in 465,000 emergency room visits,109,000 hospitalizations, and 900 fatalities.
Two weeks ago, Irving School in Highland Park, New Jersey, canceled classes due to a "gastrointestinal outbreak," NJ.com reported.
Here is everything you need to know about the virus, including how it spreads and if you can get it twice.
There's no specific treatment for norovirus, but if you do happen to get sick, it's important to stay hydrated through taking small sips of water or sports drinks, said Russo. If you lose too many fluids through vomiting and diarrhea, you could become dehydrated and possibly need intravenous (IV) fluids to rehydrate.
Washing hands is important advice for sick people too—you can continue to spread the virus for up to two weeks after you start feeling better. People who have been sick with norovirus should also closely interacting with others (preparing food, providing healthcare) for at least 48 hours after symptoms stop.2
While most people recover from norovirus relatively quickly, aside from a few "days of misery," said Shaffner, it can still cause serious illness or death in very young children or the elderly. There are also people with an extreme fear of vomiting, known as emetophobia, which can cause them a significant amount of distress if they vomit or are around someone who vomits.
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