Highly contagious virus is on the rise nationwide

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that 91 outbreaks occurred nationwide during the week of December 5, indicating that the extremely contagious stomach bug norovirus has been on the rise throughout the country.

There were more outbreaks than the 69 that occurred during the final week of November, and the number of outbreaks is at least 50% greater than it was during the same week in previous years.

Despite having no real connection to the flu, norovirus, which causes vomiting and diarrhea, is frequently referred to as the stomach flu or stomach bug. People of all ages become affected.

Most patients recover from norovirus-induced acute gastroenteritis, or inflammation of the stomach or intestines, in one to three days, though they may remain contagious for a few days afterward.

According to the CDC, a norovirus infection does not always offer protection against other types, and because there are numerous varieties of noroviruses, norovirus disease can recur throughout your life.

Although immunity to certain strains can be developed, it is unclear how long this protection lasts, which may help explain why individuals of various ages continue to contract the disease during outbreaks.

The most frequent norovirus symptoms are diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach discomfort; other symptoms include fever, headache, and body aches. Symptoms usually appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure.

Dehydration can result from the disease, which can make you feel very sick and cause frequent vomiting and diarrhea, especially in small children, the elderly, and people with other underlying medical disorders.

Reduced urination, dry mouth and throat, lightheadedness while standing, sobbing with little to no tears, and unusual fussiness or sleepiness are all symptoms of dehydration.

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