A highly contagious stomach bug known as the norovirus is rapidly spreading across the Northeastern United States, prompting school closures and causing severe symptoms such as violent diarrhea and stomach pain.
“It is incredibly contagious,” Dr. Alfred Sacchetti from Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Camden, NJ, told ABC News.
“Just one particle of the norovirus that you ingest will get you 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 seen a significant increase in norovirus cases, with a positivity rate of 14% in swab tests conducted at the beginning of February.
This marks a sharp rise from just 4% in November before the outbreak.
“My 2-year-old was dealing with some stomach issues last week; his whole daycare seems to be having issues,” said Cherry Hill, NJ, resident Jacob Joyner, whose household was stricken with the illness.
The norovirus is not confined to the Northeast, as cases are also on the rise nationwide, with a 12% positivity rate in recent tests, up from 9% in November.
The CDC reports that the norovirus is the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis in the U.S., affecting 19 to 21 million people annually.
Cases typically peak in February and March when people spend more time indoors, increasing close contact and transmission.
Transmission occurs through ingesting contaminated food and liquids, touching contaminated surfaces, or interacting with infected individuals.
Once infected, symptoms can include violent diarrhea, stomach pain, and vomiting, leading to dehydration.
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The norovirus is highly contagious, requiring only a few particles to cause illness, and infected individuals remain contagious for weeks after symptoms subside.
Children, in particular, are prone to spreading the virus, leading to outbreaks in schools and day-care centers.
To prevent the spread of the norovirus, the CDC recommends thorough handwashing, rinsing fruits and vegetables, and cooking shellfish thoroughly.
Unlike coronavirus, hand sanitizers are ineffective against the norovirus, and only soap and water provide adequate protection.
Infected individuals are advised to stay home, avoid preparing food for others, and stay hydrated to prevent dehydration, the most serious complication of the illness.
