‘Very contagious’ vomiting virus surging in West. How to stay safe in California
A highly contagious stomach virus with no real treatment is spreading rapidly across the United States.
From Aug. 1 through Nov. 13, there were 153 norovirus outbreaks reported in 14 states, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
While California is not one of the reporting states, CDC data shows a sharp increase in positive norovirus tests throughout the month of November for the entire western United States.
More than 13% of norovirus tests came back positive for states in the West during the week of Nov. 23 through Nov. 29, according to the CDC’s most recent data.
Throughout November, wastewater concentrations of norovirus also ticked upward in California, WastewaterSCAN data shows.
How does the stomach bug spread? What are common symptoms, and how can you keep from getting sick?
Here’s what to know:
What is norovirus? Is virus the same as the flu?
Norovirus is a “very contagious” germ that causes vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps, according to the California Department of Public Health.
The virus inflicts acute gastroenteritis — inflammation of the stomach or intestines — on people of all ages in the United States, the CDC said.
Even though it’s often called the “stomach flu,” norovirus is not related to the flu, which comes from the influenza virus, the agency said.
Every year, there are about 2,500 reported norovirus outbreaks across the country, with surges most common from November to April.
On average each year, the highly contagious virus causes 109,000 hospitalizations, 465,000 emergency department visits and 19 to 21 million illnesses, according to CDC data.
Norovirus is the “leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea” and causes 58% of foodborne illnesses in the nation, the federal public health agency said.
How does stomach bug spread?
Norovirus spreads easily from person-to-person while infected individuals are experiencing symptoms, according to the California Department of Public Health.
Symptoms typically last one to three days, though someone can still be contagious up to two days after they feel better, according to the public health department’s website.
The virus disseminates from a person’s vomit and stool, spraying into the air or landing on nearby surfaces. It can survive for weeks on unwashed objects, such as countertops, phones and doorknobs, the public health department said.
“You can get sick after touching or caring for someone who is sick,” the department said, “or after touching or eating something that is contaminated.”
The virus can spread very quickly in closed and crowded environments, including schools, child care centers, hospitals, nursing homes, jails and cruise ships, according to the state Public Health Department.
Here are the most common ways to catch norovirus, according to federal and state health officials:
- Touching, caring for or sharing food with a person infected with norovirus
- Eating or drinking something that has norovirus in it, including undercooked shellfish like oysters
- Touching a contaminated surface and then touching your mouth before washing your hands
- Sharing the toilet or bathroom with someone who is sick with norovirus
- Swallowing water that has norovirus in it, including water in swimming pools or other recreational areas
- Cleaning up vomit or diarrhea without wearing protective gear, such as gloves and a face mask
”Anyone can get norovirus, even if they’ve had it before,” the California Department of Public Health said.
What are common norovirus symptoms?
People tend to develop norovirus symptoms 12 to 48 hours after exposure, the CDC said.
The most common symptoms of the virus include:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Fever
- Headache
- Body aches
- Dehydration
- Dizziness
Is norovirus deadly?
On average, norovirus kills about 900 people annually in the United States, according to the CDC.
Deaths mostly occur in adults ages 65 or older, though children under 5 years old can also be at risk.
The virus is responsible for nearly one million pediatric medical visits each year, the federal public health agency said, and about one in 110,000 kids under the age of 5 will die from norovirus.
Is there a vaccine or treatment for stomach flu?
While there is no specific treatment or vaccine to prevent the illness, the CDC recommends drinking lots of liquids to prevent dehydration.
“Sports drinks and other drinks without caffeine or alcohol can help with mild dehydration,” the CDC said. “However, these drinks may not replace important nutrients and minerals.”
People recovering from norovirus can also take over-the-counter medicines to help alleviate symptoms, including Imodium, Pepto-Bismol and Kaopectate, according to the National Institutes of Health.
If someone with norovirus is experiencing severe dehydration, they may require hospitalization to get intravenous fluids, according to the CDC.
How to avoid getting norovirus
There are steps you can take to protect yourself and others from catching norovirus.
The CDC recommends these actions:
- Wash hands well and often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Wash fruits and vegetables and thoroughly cook shellfish
- Clean and disinfect all contaminated surfaces
- Wash laundry in hot water
McClatchy Media’s Kendrick Marshall contributed to this story.
