Is there a vaccine against norovirus? This is how highly contagious stomach disease spreads

LOS ANGELES – Norovirus cases are increasing in parts of the United States this winter, according to the latest government data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The most recent figures show that there have been 91 outbreaks of norovirus reported during the week of December 5, compared to 69 households the last week of November.

Figures from recent years show a maximum of 65 outbreaks reported in the first week of December.

Here’s what you need to know about the highly contagious stomach illness.

What is norovirus?

Norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States, responsible for 58% of infections acquired in the country each year, according to the CDC.

Noroviruses have been called “the perfect human pathogens“This is a very contagious type of stomach bug that causes severe vomiting and diarrheaaccompanied by headache, fever and body aches. It spreads quickly and far surfaces and in the air in tiny droplets of vomit. Most people make a full recovery.

How is it spread?

Most norovirus outbreaks occur when people who are already infected transmit the virus to others through direct means, such as sharing food or cooking utensils. Epidemics can also spread food, water or contaminated surfaces.

Shellfish, particularly oysters and clams, are also known to spread the virus because they are filter feeders and can accumulate the virus in untreated sewage flowing into their habitats.

Cruises are often associated with norovirus, due to proximity and shared facilities. Retirement homes, hospitals, prisonsand preschools can also be outbreak sites.

Avoid raw or undercooked shellfish can also reduce the risk of infection. Since norovirus can survive temperatures up to 145°F, quick steaming will not kill the virus.

What are the symptoms?

A person usually develops symptoms 12 to 48 hours after being exposed to norovirus.

The most common symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and stomach pain. Other symptoms include fever, headache and body aches,

Dehydration

If you have norovirus illness, you may feel extremely sick and vomit or have diarrhea several times a day. This can lead to dehydration (loss of body fluids), especially in young children, the elderly, and people with other illnesses. Symptoms of dehydration include:

• Decreased urination
• Dry mouth and throat
• Feeling dizzy when getting up
• Crying with few or no tears

Who is at risk?

People of any age can be infected with norovirus. Young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk, with dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea being the main concern.

There is no medication to treat norovirus. Rehydration is recommended by drinking water and other fluids, except coffee, tea and alcohol.

Anyone suffering from dehydration should see a doctor. Symptoms of dehydration include decreased urination, dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when standing. Dehydrated children may be unusually sleepy or fussy and cry with few or no tears.

Is there a vaccine?

There is currently no approved vaccine for norovirus, although Moderna has started a phase three trial in the United States for a vaccine using mRNA technology and aims to test it in 25,000 adults worldwide. Norovirus causes around 200,000 deaths around the world every year.

How can I protect myself?

Wash your hands

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, including:

• After going to the bathroom or changing a diaper.
• Before eating, preparing or handling food.
• Before giving yourself or anyone else medicine.

Know that:

• Hand sanitizer does not work well against norovirus.
• You can use hand sanitizer in addition to hand washing, but hand sanitizer is not a substitute for hand washing, which is best.

Handle and prepare food safely

Before preparing and eating your food:

• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
• Cook oysters and other shellfish thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 145°F.
• Clean and disinfect kitchen utensils, cutting boards, counters and surfaces regularly, especially after handling shellfish.
• Keep raw oysters away from ready-to-eat foods in the grocery cart, refrigerator, and on cutting boards.
• Throw away foods that may contain norovirus.

Know that:

• Noroviruses are relatively heat resistant and can survive temperatures up to 145°F.
• Rapid steaming processes will not heat food enough to kill norovirus.
• Foods contaminated with norovirus may look, smell, or taste normal.

Clean and disinfect surfaces

After a person vomits or has diarrhea:

• Wearing rubber or disposable gloves, wipe the entire area with paper towels and throw them away in a plastic trash bag.
• Disinfect the area as directed on the product label. To disinfect, use a product bleach solution with a concentration of 1,000 to 5,000 ppm (5 to 25 tablespoons of bleach (5% to 8%) per gallon of water) or use a EPA registered disinfectant product against norovirus.
• To disinfect, use a chlorine product bleach solution with a concentration of 1,000 to 5,000 ppm (5 to 25 tablespoons of bleach (5% to 8%) per gallon of water) or use a EPA registered disinfectant product against norovirus.
• Leave the bleach disinfectant on the affected area for at least 5 minutes.
• Clean the entire area again with soap and warm water.
• Wash the laundry, take out the trash and wash your hands.

Wash clothes well

Immediately remove and wash clothing or linens that may contain vomit or droppings.

• Wear rubber or disposable gloves.
• Handle objects carefully without shaking them.
• Wash items with detergent and hot water at the maximum cycle time available, then machine dry on the highest heat setting.
• Then wash your hands with soap and water.

Health