With winter’s cold and flu season upon us, Americans should be on the lookout for another highly contagious virus: our most common stomach bug.
The US experienced its largest norovirus outbreak in December since at least 2012, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control.
During the week of December 5, state health departments recorded 91 different outbreaks across the country, according to the CDC. The next highest number for that week since 2012 was 65 outbreaks.
Outbreaks tend to be more widespread in January and February, the data show, raising concerns that the gap could continue.
Most cases of norovirus are spread directly from one person to another, the CDC says, from actions such as touching food or eating utensils. Restaurants, cruise ships, health centers and schools are common referral sites.
Additionally, contaminated food, water and surfaces can spread the virus.
Last week, the US Food and Drug Administration issued an advisory warning businesses and consumers to serve or eat oysters from Washington state, Canada and Korea that may be contaminated with norovirus.
Annually, the CDC reports about 2,500 outbreaks nationally. But real-time monitoring data only covers 14 states: Alabama, Colorado, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin.
About half of foodborne illness outbreaks are caused by norovirus, according to the CDC.
The most common symptoms of norovirus are vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and abdominal pain. Symptoms usually improve within one to three days, but those infected can still spread the virus for several days after symptoms subside.
The best ways to prevent the virus from spreading: washing hands, cooking shellfish thoroughly, washing fruits and vegetables, cleaning and disinfecting contaminated surfaces, washing clothes in hot water and staying home for two days after symptoms stop.
The main treatment for norovirus is hydration to replace the fluid lost by the patient. Those with severe dehydration should seek medical attention, the CDC advises.
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