MIAMI – The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported an increase in outbreaks of norovirus, a contagious stomach bug that causes acute gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestines.
The symptoms of the illness, more commonly known as stomach flu, include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, and sometimes a low-grade fever, according to the CDC.
The preventive measures include proper hand washing, cleaning surfaces, a focus on safe food preparation, and avoidance of touching eyes, mouth, or nose.
Pregnant women, babies, older adults, and patients with chronic illnesses are at risk of dehydration and may need intravenous fluids with salt in a hospital setting.
THE DATA
The CDC reported more than 12% of norovirus tests nationwide were positive during the week that ended on Feb. 17, and that was an 11.5% increase from the week before. The CDC’s norovirus regional trends data shows there is a seasonal increase.
The CDC also reported more than 13% of norovirus tests in the northeastern United States have been positive every week since late last month. ABC News reported this was because of outbreaks in New York City and Philadelphia.
Also last month, the US Food and Drug Administration warned against the consumption of oysters from Baja California and Mexico due to the risk of norovirus contamination.