The norovirus can cause viral gastroenteritis related symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea,
If you though that Christmas is all about sharing and caring, you’re probably right on the “sharing” aspect. Norovirus outbreak escalates in the U.S with 32 new cases admitted in hospitals.
According to health authorities around the country, this year we are observing a significant increase in winter vomiting diseases cases since 2014. Last year, only 9 cases of norovirus infection have been identified and treated, whereas this year the number of cases has increased to 32.
The most important factor when dealing with norovirus is personal hygiene. People with poor hygiene and a compromised immune system are more likely to contract this disease than people with no such issues.
Karen Smith working with the State Health Department said that the key to prevention is good hygiene. People should thoroughly wash their hands with water and soap for at least 20 seconds before handling food.
The virus is highly contagious, meaning that whether if a person had it or not in the past is irrelevant because our body cannot manufacture antibodies for the different strains of norovirus.
The norovirus, commonly known as winter vomiting disease, is a virus from the Caliciviridae family, which can induce viral gastroenteritis in humans. According to medical records, the virus is capable of infecting anyone, regardless of age, gender or genetic predisposition. Although, several key studies have demonstrated that this type of viral infection possesses a higher risk to the elderly, small children and those who have a weak or compromised immune system.
Typically, the virus is transmitted via food that have been in contact with contaminated faeces or from person-to-person. Health authorities have stressed out that people who are handling food or working with the elderly should be very carefully about their personal hygiene.
Norovirus outbreak escalates in the U.S., as more and more patients exhibit symptoms consistent with this disease. According to several inland reports, it would seem that 50 people were admitted into Chapman University hospital after exhibiting norovirus infection symptoms.
Over the year, the health authorities have identified nearly 20 million cases of norovirus infection. Winter vomiting disease accounts for 800 deaths each year due to severe complication. Being a form of gastroenteritis, the disease draws its name from the symptoms which patient exhibit in the first stage of the infection: vomiting and diarrhea.
In conclusion, people who are handling food or work with people should rinse their hands with water and soap thoroughly for at least 20 seconds. Furthermore, they should be extra careful to clean up contaminated surfaces.
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