Surge in Norovirus Cases Across the US, Particularly in Northeast and South
A stomach bug known as norovirus is wreaking havoc across the United States, with cases surging in the northeast and south regions. According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there has been a significant increase in positive tests for norovirus in hospitalized patients. In the northeast, 16.5 percent of tests came back positive at the beginning of March, marking a three percent increase from the previous month. This is a stark contrast to November when only four percent of tests were positive.
The situation is not much better in other parts of the country, with 15 percent of swabs detecting the virus compared to nine percent in November. The south has seen the fastest rise in positive tests, with an increase of nearly 10 percent in just four months. Norovirus is a highly contagious illness that poses a significant public health and economic burden on the country. It can lead to widespread outbreaks in schools, healthcare facilities, and food service establishments, resulting in increased healthcare costs, lost productivity, and even hospitalizations and deaths, especially among vulnerable populations such as the elderly and young children.
Norovirus is no stranger to the United States, sickening approximately 21 million Americans every year, which accounts for six percent of the population. Out of these cases, around 109,000 individuals require hospitalization, and 900 unfortunately lose their lives. The peak season for norovirus cases typically occurs in February and March, coinciding with other illnesses, as people tend to spend more time indoors due to cold weather.
The latest data from the CDC, updated on March 7, reveals that the test positivity rate for norovirus in hospitals was 16.5 percent during the week of March 2 in the northeast. This is an increase from 13.8 percent one month earlier. Other regions are also experiencing a rise in positive tests. In the south, 12.6 percent of tests came back positive as of March 2, compared to nine percent the previous month. At the onset of the outbreak in November, the positivity rate was a mere four percent.
The impact of norovirus is not limited to hospitals and medical facilities. Schools are also feeling the effects of this highly contagious bug. Fairhope West Elementary School in Alabama had to shut down after nearly 800 children and half of the school’s staff fell ill with a mysterious stomach bug. State officials suspect that norovirus is the culprit behind this outbreak. Another nearby school, Fairhope East Elementary, has also reported a surge in norovirus cases. Parents and guardians are understandably concerned, with some rushing their children to the hospital due to severe vomiting.
Norovirus outbreaks are not confined to specific regions either. Minnesota and Wisconsin have been hit the hardest, reporting more than five outbreaks between September and February. California, Florida, Ohio, and Virginia have all reported four outbreaks during this period. However, experts warn that cases are now on the rise in states within the northeast, including New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
Norovirus spreads easily through contact with contaminated surfaces and can be contracted by touching the mouth or nose after touching these surfaces. Symptoms of norovirus infection include stomach ache, watery diarrhea, fever, and headache. Severe cases can lead to dehydration, characterized by decreased urination, dry mouth and throat, and dizziness when standing. In most cases, symptoms clear up within two days with minimal treatment required.
To prevent the spread of norovirus, the CDC recommends frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers, handling food, or administering medicine. It is crucial to continue practicing good hand hygiene even after recovering from the illness, as the virus can still be present in feces for up to two weeks. Regular disinfection of surfaces and frequent washing of laundry are also recommended to reduce the risk of infection and prevent the spread of norovirus within households and communities.
In conclusion, norovirus cases are on the rise across the United States, particularly in the northeast and south regions. This highly contagious stomach bug poses a significant public health and economic burden, leading to widespread outbreaks and impacting various sectors such as schools, healthcare facilities, and food service establishments. It is crucial for individuals to practice good hand hygiene, disinfect surfaces regularly, and wash laundry frequently to prevent the spread of norovirus and protect vulnerable populations from severe illness and potential complications.
