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Norovirus is surging in the U.S.. According to recent data from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), during the week of December 5, there were 91 outbreaks of norovirus reported, up from 69 the week before. In the same period in recent years, there were 65 or less cases per week.
Norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the U.S. It’s responsible for 19 million to 21 million illnesses each year according to the CDC.
The virus can be spread through direct contact with an infected person or from touching contaminated surfaces. You can even pick up the virus by sharing food, drinks or utensils with an infected person.
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Norovirus is also a common cause of outbreaks on cruise ships where more than 90% of diarrheal illnesses can be linked to this virus. Outbreaks can occur in schools, day care centers, jails and other public facilities as well.
Symptoms of norovirus include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain. There’s no treatment for norovirus, but symptoms can improve after one or two days. It’s important to keep down fluids during this time and you should only go to the doctor if you feel you’re at risk of dehydration.
Tips to Avoid Norovirus
To avoid contracting norovirus, Dr. Leana Wen tells CNN people should not drink raw milk or eat raw or undercooked meat. Also, you should avoid eating perishable food that has been left out for more than two hours. Be sure to wash vegetables and fruit as well.
If you do have norovirus, don’t handle food or plates or utensils for others until at least two days after your symptoms subside.
“It’s also a good idea to wash your hands before eating,” said Dr. Wen. “You may have touched a doorknob, elevator button, serving spoon or some other surface that an infected person touched.”
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