(CTN News) – According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the stomach virus known as “norovirus” is spreading throughout the northeastern United States.
It is hitting it harder than other areas of the country that have recently reported an increase in norovirus cases.
According to a Hill report, the three-week average positive test rate in the region reached 13.9% in the last week compared to a rate of 10% since mid-December 2023.
While the northeastern United States is experiencing a high number of positive norovirus cases, recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that other areas are also testing positive.
In the Southern United States, 9.5% of tests returned positive results, in the Midwestern United States, 10% of tests returned positive results, and in the Western United States, approximately 12% of tests returned positive results.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea as well as foodborne illness in the United States.
As a result of the virus, people of all ages can become infected and the disease spreads “very quickly and easily”.
In addition, the CDC he noted that people can be infected multiple times in their lifetime because of the wide variety of types of the virus. The advisory states that infection with one type may not provide protection against infection with another.
The advisory also explains that people may be able to develop immunity to certain types of norovirus, although the duration of that immunity is unknown.
Norovirus outbreaks are common in the late fall, winter, and early spring. There are many symptoms associated with this infection such as fever, headaches, dehydration and body aches.
To prevent the spread of norovirus,
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that people wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water, disinfect surfaces with bleach, and wash clothing in hot water.
There are an estimated 19 to 21 million illnesses caused by norovirus each year in the United States between November and April.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 109,000 hospitalizations and 900 deaths are reported each year as a result of norovirus, which is more common in the elderly.
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