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The United States is witnessing a surge in the outbreak of Norovirus, with 91 cases reported by December 5, said the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The number of cases reported has increased from 69 cases in the last week of November.
What Is Norovirus?
A contagious virus responsible for causing vomiting and diarrhoea, norovirus is also referred to as the stomach flu or the stomach bug. It causes inflammation in the intestines or stomach, also called acute gastroenteritis.
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Types of Norovirus
Most people with norovirus get better within 1 or 3 days after falling sick, but they can spread it to others. Since there are several types of norovirus, it explains why people can get the illness multiple times in their lifetimes.
Symptoms to Know
Within 12 hours to 48 hours, an individual exposed to norovirus may begin showing symptoms that include diarrhoea, nausea, pain, vomiting, fever, headache, and body aches. The virus can lead to severe dehydration, dry mouth and throat, dizziness, and disturbed sleep.
How To Protect Yourself?
The virus can spread if an individual comes in contact with an infected person, eating food, consuming fluids, or touching surfaces contaminated by the virus. Some precautionary measures include:
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- Wash hands properly before eating or drinking.
- Wash laundry in hot water.
- Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces thoroughly.
- Wash shellfish, fruit, and vegetables properly before cooking.
