The U.S. is in the midst of norovirus season, with central Pennsylvania and the Northeast region reporting an increase in cases.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says outbreaks of norovirus, leading to symptoms such as stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhea, are most common from late fall through early spring. Annually, the virus results in approximately 465,000 emergency room visits and between 19 million and 21 million cases nationwide.
Patricia Wolf, a resident of Millheim and a retired art teacher, recently found herself hospitalized due to the virus. She recounted the ordeal, noting that her symptoms escalated from stomach cramps to a severe condition overnight, prompting an emergency room visit.
“It was bad, really bad,” Wolf said. “I was isolated. No one could enter my room without wearing gowns, gloves and masks.”
Noroviruses cause inflammation of the stomach and intestines and, while often dubbed the “stomach flu,” norovirus is not related to influenza, which is a respiratory illness.
The virus also can cause a low-grade fever, chills, headaches, muscle aches and fatigue. The Pennsylvania Department of Health warns that norovirus is “very contagious” and can spread easily through direct contact with an infected person, contaminated surfaces and contaminated food and water.
Current CDC data indicates the Northeast is experiencing the highest positivity rate in the country at about 15%. This compares with 13.6% in the South, 13% in the Midwest and 11% in the West.
Wolf, after a three-day hospital stay, expressed her concern: “I really am worried for the area right now, the whole area.”
While many recover within two to three days after symptoms begin, the virus poses a greater risk to certain individuals.
“Sometimes people can’t drink enough fluids to replace what they’ve lost through vomiting and diarrhea, leading to dehydration. This is more common among the very young, the elderly and those with underlying conditions,” the Pennsylvania Department of Health noted.
Despite annual surges in norovirus cases, preventive measures can mitigate the spread of infection. The health department recommends frequent handwashing, especially after using the toilet, changing diapers and before eating or preparing food.
Other tips include washing fruits and vegetables before consumption, washing potentially contaminated clothes, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces with bleach-based products, staying home when exhibiting symptoms and avoiding food preparation for others when sick and for two days after symptoms cease.
For more information on norovirus prevention and treatment, visit health.pa.gov or cdc.gov/norovirus.
