Posted on 02/23/24
| News Source: Pikesville Patch
Cases of a nasty stomach bug known as norovirus have spiked in recent weeks across several southern U.S. states, including Maryland, according to recent data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. Often called the "stomach flu" or gastroenteritis, anyone can become infected or sick with norovirus, according to the Maryland Department of Health.
Norovirus is often spread through direct contact with an infected person, eating food or drinking liquids contaminated with the virus, or touching contaminated surfaces, health officials said. It also spreads through the feces and vomit of an infected person.
According to CDC data published Feb. 22, the three-week average for positive norovirus tests in the South region, which includes Virginia, climbed to almost 9.6 percent in recent weeks and has remained above 7 percent since the middle of December 2o23.
Norovirus cases remain low in the southern United States compared to other parts of the country. In the Northeast, positive cases averaged around 13.4 percent, while the West hovered around 12 percent and the Midwest near 10 percent.
Between 2011 and 2021, there have been 65 reported norovirus outbreaks in Maryland, according to the CDC. Nearly 2,700 people were sickened and 13 were hospitalized, the CDC said. No deaths were reported.
When infected with norovirus, symptoms usually begin suddenly and last for one to three days, according to health officials. In addition to vomiting and diarrhea, symptoms include nausea, stomach pain, fever, headache, fatigue, and body aches.
Cases are often reported in the winter months, especially among children in schools and childcare settings and among residents and employees of nursing homes, state health officials said.
People infected with norovirus are contagious from the moment they begin feeling ill until at least three days after recovery. Some people may be contagious for as long as a month after recovery.
There is no treatment for norovirus, health officials said.
About 19 to 21 million norovirus illnesses are reported in the United States each year, according to the CDC. Most illnesses commonly occur between November and April. Norovirus causes about 109,000 hospitalizations each year and 900 deaths, most commonly among older adults, the CDC said.
To prevent the spread of norovirus, Maryland health officials recommend washing your hands with soap and water, thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, and washing laundry with hot water.