Norovirus cases surge in the US: What you need to know about this stomach bug – Times of India

Cases of norovirus, a highly contagious stomach virus, are surging in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the week of December 5 saw 91 outbreaks, a significant rise from 69 in the previous week and far above the three-year average of 65 for early December.
Norovirus, often called the “winter vomiting bug,” causes sudden bouts of vomiting and diarrhoea. Additional symptoms may include nausea, stomach pain, body aches, headaches, and fever.
The virus spreads quickly, with as few as 10 viral particles capable of infecting someone, writes AP.
According to CDC, it is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the US, responsible for 58% of such cases annually.
Outbreaks are common in crowded environments such as cruise ships, nursing homes, schools, and prisons. It spreads primarily through direct contact with an infected person or by consuming contaminated food, water, or surfaces.
Those infected typically develop symptoms within 12 to 48 hours and recover in one to three days, but the virus can cause severe dehydration, especially in young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
According to AP, each year, norovirus leads to 19–21 million illnesses in the US, with approximately 109,000 hospitalisations and 900 deaths. Children and elderly individuals are particularly vulnerable, with dehydration being a major risk.
There is no medication to treat norovirus.