Norovirus Outbreak Sweeps Across Northeast, Causing School Closures and Alarming Symptoms
A hypercontagious stomach bug known as the norovirus is wreaking havoc across the Northeast region of the United States. With schools closing down and citizens experiencing alarming symptoms such as violent diarrhea, this outbreak has become a cause for concern. Dr. Alfred Sacchetti from Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Camden, NJ, warns that the norovirus is incredibly contagious, with just one particle being enough to make someone sick.
Recent data from the U.S. Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that the Northeast, particularly Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, has the highest positivity rate for this hypervirulent strain of the norovirus. In fact, a staggering 14% of swab tests in the region came back positive for the gastrointestinal ailment at the beginning of February. This is a significant increase from just 4% in November before the epidemic hit.
The norovirus outbreak is not limited to the mid-Atlantic region alone. It is spreading nationwide, with 12% of tests returning positive across the country. This marks a 3% increase from November. Jacob Joyner, a resident of Cherry Hill, NJ, shared his personal experience, stating that his 2-year-old son and his entire daycare were affected by stomach issues.
Unfortunately, the norovirus is reportedly the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis in the US, resulting in 19 to 21 million cases every year, according to the CDC. This highly contagious virus spreads easily through contaminated foods and liquids, as well as contact with tainted surfaces and infected individuals. Caregiving, sharing food or utensils, and consuming food handled by infected individuals are common ways of contracting the virus.
Once infected, patients experience a range of alarming symptoms, including violent diarrhea, stomach pain, and vomiting. These symptoms can lead to significant fluid loss and dehydration. Complications typically arise within 12 to 48 hours after exposure and can persist for up to three days. The norovirus is particularly insidious as it only takes a few particles to make someone sick, and infectees often remain contagious for weeks after their symptoms improve.
Children are especially prone to spreading the norovirus, which has led to outbreaks in numerous schools and day-care centers in the Northeast. Irving Primary School in Middlesex County, NJ, recently had to close its doors due to an outbreak of the stomach bug. However, after undergoing a thorough cleaning, the school has since reopened.
Preventing the spread of the norovirus can be achieved by rinsing fruits and vegetables, thoroughly cooking shellfish, and practicing good hand hygiene, according to the CDC. Unfortunately, hand sanitizers are not effective against this particular virus. Dr. Sacchetti emphasizes that only soap and water can truly protect individuals from the norovirus.
For those already infected, it is advised to stay home and avoid preparing food for others while sick and for two days after recovery. Drinking plenty of fluids to replace lost fluids from vomiting and diarrhea is crucial in preventing dehydration, which is one of the most potentially serious symptoms of this illness.
As this norovirus outbreak continues to sweep across the Northeast and beyond, it is essential for individuals to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and others. By practicing good hygiene and following CDC guidelines, we can help mitigate the spread of this hypercontagious stomach bug.
