CNN
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Circumstances of norovirus are on the rise within the US, on par with seasonal developments, in keeping with the latest knowledge from the US Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention.
Within the week ending February 17, more than 12% of assessments for norovirus – a typical and really contagious virus that causes gastrointestinal signs – got here again constructive, CDC knowledge confirmed. That’s up from 11.5% the week earlier than. Circumstances are notably excessive within the Northeast, the place more than 13% of assessments got here again constructive. Positivity charges within the area have been over 13% since late January.
Nonetheless, these ranges are under what they have been at this level final season, when about 15% of assessments have been constructive, each nationally and within the Northeast.
Outbreaks of norovirus are commonest within the late fall, winter and early spring, in keeping with the CDC.
Norovirus is the commonest reason for acute gastroenteritis – usually known as a abdomen bug – in the USA, in keeping with the CDC. It causes 19 million to 21 million diseases yearly, most frequently in crowded environments equivalent to nursing houses, day care facilities and cruise ships.
It could unfold while you come into direct contact with somebody who’s contaminated, eat meals or liquids contaminated with the virus or contact contaminated surfaces after which put your fingers in your mouth. The CDC warns that an contaminated individual can nonetheless unfold norovirus two or extra weeks after signs resolve.
The most typical signs are diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and abdomen ache. There’s no particular therapy for norovirus, however specialists advocate consuming loads of liquids to keep away from dehydration. With a purpose to stop sickness, the CDC recommends washing your arms, rinsing vegetables and fruit and cooking shellfish completely.
The US Meals and Drug Administration issued an advisory in January warning against the sale and consumption of sure oysters from Baja California and Mexico because of potential norovirus contamination.
In December, greater than 200 suspected cases of norovirus have been linked to a sushi restaurant in North Carolina.