California: Norovirus – aka Winter Vomiting Disease – Is on the Rise

State health officials say there has been a sudden increase in cases of norovirus infection, also known as the winder vomiting disease.

The Minnesota Department of Health said that they have investigated more than 20 norovirus outbreaks in that state since the beginning of September 2015.

It can spread through direct contact with an infected person, consuming infected foods or liquids, or by touching a contaminated surface and then touching one’s mouth.

Health officials say that hand sanitizers are not effective, and suggest instead washing your hands with soap and water frequently to avoid contracting the illness. Examples to watch out for included, “hospitals, nursing homes, daycare centers, schools, cruise ships and food service settings like restaurants”. It’s important to wash them after the bathroom, before preparing food, after changing diapers, after caring for someone or after being around someone who has the virus.

The I4U notes that, A significant uptick has been observed in vomiting disease or norovirus cases across United States, according to health authorities.

As per experts, if a person has had norovirus in the past, they won’t have antibodies to protect them from the newly found strain of the virus. Earlier this month, there was a norovirus outbreak at Chapman University in Orange County. Diarrhea, abdominal pain and vomiting typically start one to two days after exposure, and can last for up to three days.

One of the first outbreaks this year in California occurred in May at Sky Room, a Long Beach restaurant.

According to the health officials, around 20 million people get infected each year in the USA, and there have been between 570 and 800 fatalities due to the disease.

Those that have been sick can still spread the virus two weeks after recovering. The restaurant closed on December 7, but after being checked out and cleaned thoroughly, it is set to reopen soon. Also, you should wash fruits, veggies and surfaces where food is prepared, and make sure to completely cook all meat, fish and poultry. The most common symptoms are vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and stomach cramps, but other symptoms may include a low-grade fever, headache and body aches.

Though some people, including Stephen Colbert, have cracked jokes about the winter vomiting disease, it is no laughing matter. Most cases in the recent outbreaks have affected nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. Symptoms of Norovirus can last a few days in healthy individuals but can become progressively worse in children, the elderly, and those with a compromised immune system.

There’s no specific treatment for norovirus infection, but the health department recommends sick people drink plenty of fluids.