Norovirus cases are increasing in California, health officials warned. Knowing the signs, symptoms, preventive measures and treatment options for the disease may help the public survive the season without getting infected with the so-called "winter vomiting bug."
Dr. Karen Smith, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) confirmed on Wednesday, Dec. 23 that the virus is becoming increasingly prevalent in the state. The agency reported 32 outbreaks since Oct. 1. Such number most probably resulted in hundreds of illnesses, which exceeded the total incidence at the same time in 2014.
What Is Norovirus?
Norovirus is the most common pathogen that causes acute gastroenteritis in the U.S. The virus is responsible for approximately 19-21 million illnesses and contributes to 56,000 to 71,000 hospital admissions and 570 to 800 mortalities.
The virus may be contracted from exposure to an infected person, contact with infected surfaces and ingestion of contaminated water or food.
Both children and adults may get infected with norovirus. The illness may also get very serious, particularly in the very young and very old.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Norovirus?
Norovirus attacks the lining of the gastrointestinal tract and causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines. With this, the clinical manifestations of the virus are mainly gastrointestinal in nature.
Among the most typical signs and symptoms of the disease include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea.
When these symptoms get worse, the patient may experience dehydration, which is characterized by dry mouth and throat, dizziness upon standing up and decreased urination. Children, in particular, may cry without tears and look unusually sleepy.
The less common clinical signs of the illness include headache, fever and body aches.
An infected individual usually develop signs and symptoms 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus.
How Can Norovirus Be Prevented?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends numerous measures to help prevent norovirus infection.
The agency advises people to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water frequently, especially before preparing food. CDC also strongly advises people to observe correct hand hygiene after using the toilet or changing diapers.
"One of the most important things you can do to avoid norovirus and other illnesses this holiday season is to wash your hands frequently with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds," said Smith.
As norovirus can lurk in food items, CDC also advises people to wash fruits and vegetables prior to cooking. Norovirus is strongly resistant of high temperature and for this, CDC recommends cooking raw food such as oysters thoroughly.
CDC also advises people to clean and disinfect kitchen counters and other surfaces after a diarrhea or vomiting episode. The recommended disinfecting agent is a chlorine bleach solution with five to 25 tablespoons of household bleach per gallon of water.
What Are The Available Treatments For Norovirus?
Norovirus cannot be treated with specific drugs. Health experts usually recommend patients to rest as the virus runs and finishes its course in the body on its own.
Majority of patients recover after one to three days of illness. During this time, doctors advise patients to drink plenty of water or oral rehydration solutions to replace the fluid loss from vomiting and diarrheal episodes.
If dehydration gets worse, patients may be required to receive intravenous fluid therapy and stay in the hospital to correct the fluid imbalance.
Ultimately, people who suspect themselves or their loved ones to have norovirus should consult their healthcare providers for professional help.
Photo: Loren Kerns | Flickr
