This Winter Government statistics show a dramatic increase in norovirus infections this winter across parts of the United States. This extremely contagious virus, which strikes with violent attacks of vomiting and diarrhea, has also become of grave concern to health officials, whose statistics show the outbreaks climbing well beyond what is expected in their seasonal pattern.
The most recent figures from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 91 outbreaks during the week of Dec. 5, compared to 69 the week before. To put that in context, in previous years, no more than 65 outbreaks have been reported during that same week in December.
Norovirus is the common villain in large outbreaks, often sweeping through densely populated settings such as nursing homes, cruise ships, schools, and correctional facilities. Its rapid transmission makes it a continuing problem during colder months when cases historically peak.
Understanding Norovirus
According to the CDC, norovirus causes more foodborne illnesses than any other agent, an estimated 58% in this country every year. This virus can spread like wildfire, only needing a very minute level of virus particles to confer infection in an individual.
Outbreaks occur throughout the year but are more common from November to April. Symptoms develop 12 to 48 hours after exposure and include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, body aches, headaches and fever. Symptoms usually last one to three days but may be severe for young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.
How Norovirus Spreads
Transmission of norovirus most frequently occurs through infected food, water, surfaces, and individuals. Outbreaks of norovirus are common and easily occur in closed environments where the living and working conditions are normally close, such as schools, hospitals, and restaurants.
Poor hand hygiene and/or poor hygiene of the food items usually facilitates its spread. Once the virus gains a foothold in the community, the unhygienic condition spreads in hundreds, if not in thousands, of individuals; often, the health-care resources are overwhelmed in most affected areas.
Prevention of Norovirus Infections
Although no vaccine exists for norovirus, one can take certain basic precautions to minimize the likelihood of infection. Proper handwashing with soap and water is the best defense. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are convenient but less effective against this hardy virus.
During outbreaks, prompt and proper disinfection of surfaces with a norovirus-effective disinfectant is important, especially common areas. Any person symptomatic with food poisoning should not prepare foods for others until at least two days after resolution.
With the peak period of norovirus now hitting the United States, public health officials warned that vigilance in hygiene practices and monitoring for signs and symptoms is called for. To many, it’s a stomach bug, but the fact it hits vulnerable populations means proactive measures are called for.
Understanding of the risks and preventive actions taken by the community may minimize disruptions and discomfort caused by outbreaks of norovirus.
