Philadelphia Health Officials are urging caution as the city experiences a spike in Norovirus cases. Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes stomach and intestinal inflammation, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. The virus can spread easily through contaminated food or surfaces, making it important for individuals to practice good hygiene and sanitation measures.
Health officials are advising residents to wash their hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating or preparing food. They also recommend avoiding close contact with anyone who is sick and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces regularly.
Over the last month, norovirus has been circulating in the Northeast at the highest rates since April of last year.
U.S. right now, but lower than the region’s rate at this time last year.
Norovirus is somewhat seasonal — cases occur most frequently in cold months (late fall, winter and early spring). Nationally, norovirus positivity rates have been hovering between 10% and 12.5% since early January. By comparison, last year’s peak rates exceeded 16% in mid-March.
According to the CDC, every year, norovirus is responsible for inducing 19 to 21 million instances of vomiting and diarrhea in the United States, resulting in 465,000 emergency room visits,109,000 hospitalizations, and 900 fatalities.
Two weeks ago, Irving School in Highland Park, New Jersey, canceled classes due to a "gastrointestinal outbreak," NJ.com reported.
Here is everything you need to know about the virus, including how it spreads and if you can get it twice.
norovirus, but if you do happen to get sick, it's important to stay hydrated through taking small sips of water or sports drinks, said Russo. If you lose too many fluids through vomiting and diarrhea, you could become dehydrated and possibly need intravenous (IV) fluids to rehydrate.
Washing hands is important advice for sick people too—you can continue to spread the virus for up to two weeks after you start feeling better. People who have been sick with norovirus should also closely interacting with others (preparing food, providing healthcare) for at least 48 hours after symptoms stop.2
While most people recover from norovirus relatively quickly, aside from a few "days of misery," said Shaffner, it can still cause serious illness or death in very young children or the elderly. There are also people with an extreme fear of vomiting, known as emetophobia, which can cause them a significant amount of distress if they vomit or are around someone who vomits.
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