In December, The United States has experienced an unusual increase in norovirus outbreaks, according to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
In the first week of the month, 91 norovirus outbreaks were reported, suspected or confirmed, a figure higher than that recorded during the same period in previous years, including those prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The norovirus, known as the “vomiting and diarrhea virus”, It is a highly contagious pathogen that causes sudden, severe gastrointestinal symptoms. Although outbreaks can occur throughout the year, their incidence increases between November and April. The virus is estimated to affect between 19 and 21 million people in the US annually.
One of the most notable outbreaks in December involved at least 80 people who They got sick after eating raw oysters in a restaurant in Los Angeles. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) identified that the contaminated oysters came from British Columbia, Canada, and had been distributed in 14 states and the District of Columbia before being recalled. In addition to seafood, Other products recently recalled for being linked to norovirus include fresh and frozen berries, according to an FDA database.
How does norovirus spread?
Norovirus is extremely contagious due to two key characteristics: its ease of transmission and its ability to survive on surfaces for days or even weeks. People can contract the virus by being in contact with infected individuals or by consuming contaminated food, water, or touching surfaces.
An illustrative case from Tennessee highlights how easily the virus spreads. A member of a bridge club vomited in a parking lot after becoming ill with norovirus, and everyone present contracted the virus. Researchers later found traces of the virus on the playing cards used at the event.
According to William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University, it only takes a small amount of the virus to infect someone. This ability explains why norovirus thrives in closed, crowded spaces, such as cruise ships, nursing homes, schools and daycares.
Another common route of transmission is contaminated water. Untreated wastewater can introduce the virus into irrigation systems, contaminating fruits, vegetables and shellfish such as oysters and mussels, which filter large volumes of water and concentrate the virus in their flesh.
How to prevent norovirus?
Prevention starts with good hand hygiene. The CDC recommends washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom, changing a diaper, or before preparing food. Although hand sanitizers are useful against many pathogens, their effectiveness against norovirus is limited due to the resistant structure of the virus.
Other key measures to prevent infection are:
* Cook food properly: The CDC suggests cooking shellfish, such as oysters, to an internal temperature of at least 63°C to kill the virus. Washing fresh fruits and vegetables is also essential.
* Clean and disinfect surfaces: Areas used for food preparation, such as cutting boards and countertops, should be cleaned and disinfected regularly.
* Avoid contact with infected people: If someone in your home is sick, limit direct contact and disinfect contaminated surfaces. Bedding and towels used by infected people should be washed with detergent on long cycles and dried at high temperatures.
* Waiting to handle food: An infected person should not prepare or handle food until at least two days after symptoms disappear. This is crucial, as the virus can remain in feces for up to two weeks and still be contagious.
What are the symptoms of norovirus?
Symptoms of a norovirus infection They include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and fever. What sets this virus apart is how quickly symptoms appear. “You feel fine and all of a sudden you have an explosive episode of vomiting,” Schaffner says.
There is no antiviral treatment for norovirus. Doctors recommend resting, drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, and staying isolated to avoid infecting others. Symptoms generally disappear within a few days without the need for additional treatment.
Although most people recover quickly, certain groups are more vulnerable to serious complications, including young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Severe dehydration can cause fatigue, dizziness, and, in children, irritability. In severe situations, patients may require hospitalization to receive intravenous fluids.
The norovirus outbreak in December is a reminder of the importance of hygiene and food safety. This “persistent bug,” as Schaffner describes it, can be challenging, but with proper preventive measures and education, it is possible to significantly reduce its spread. Stay alert, follow the recommendations of experts and take care of your health and that of others.
Keep reading:
* Human metapneumovirus: what it is and what experts say about whether it could become a pandemic
* Respiratory infections in winter: myths, realities and tips to take care of yourself this season