Feb. 10, 2023 — The variety of optimistic instances of the norovirus, a extremely transmissible gastrointestinal sickness also referred to as the abdomen flu, is rising throughout america.
There have been 225 norovirus outbreaks reported to the CDC between Aug. 1, 2022, and Jan. 8, 2023, in comparison with 172 outbreaks throughout the identical interval the earlier season, in accordance with CDC knowledge.
The best charge of optimistic checks is within the Midwest.
“Whereas norovirus instances are rising within the U.S., CDC knowledge as latest as January 2023 present that reported norovirus outbreaks are inside the anticipated vary for this time of 12 months,” CDC spokesperson Kate Grusich mentioned, in accordance with NBC Information.
“Prevention measures carried out in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic have been probably efficient in stopping norovirus outbreaks. As pandemic restrictions have relaxed, the variety of norovirus outbreaks has returned to ranges much like pre-pandemic years.”
Although it is referred to as the abdomen flu, norovirus shouldn’t be associated to influenza. Signs of norovirus embrace diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, abdomen ache, fever, and physique aches.
There isn’t any remedy for norovirus, however docs normally advocate individuals drink loads of fluids.
In England, norovirus charges are 66% greater than the common over the 5 seasons earlier than the COVID pandemic, knowledge from the UK Well being Safety Company exhibits.The most important rise in optimistic instances is in individuals 65 and older.
