Rise in Norovirus cases: Can we stomach this?

The CDC reported a continuous rise in Norovirus cases across the country, especially in the Northeast. The highly contagious virus is spreading through contaminated food, water, surfaces and people who are infected. Children and elderly are especially susceptible, although the stomach flu has risen across all age groups.

Symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, fever, body aches, diarrhea and dehydration. Such symptoms may require immediate hospitalization and/or specialized care for some individuals.

Although there are no known treatments for Norovirus infections, the following are some recommended precautions and preventive measures:

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces with bleach.
• Wash laundry in hot water.
• Rinse fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
• Cook shellfish thoroughly (at least 145 deg F).
• When sick, stay home and until 48 hours after symptoms stop.
• Do not prepare food or touch common surfaces when sick, and until after 48 hours after symptoms stop.

Do not send your child to school or daycare when presented with stomach flu symptoms. Consult your primary healthcare provider as needed, or proceed to the nearest urgent or emergency care facility.

Author

Marigold Castillo, M.D. Dr. Marigold "Dr. Gold" Castillo is a board-certified physician specialist practicing in Bayside, New York. She is an assistant professor of Pediatrics at Zucker School of Medicine of Hofstra/ Northwell. She focuses on personalized care in general pediatrics and adolescent medicine.